Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
Published on: October 6, 2023
The thyroid hormone derivative 3-iodothyronamine increases food intake in rodents
W S Dhillo1, G A Bewick, N E White
1Department of Investigative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Background:
The thyroid hormone derivative 3-iodothyronamine (T(1)AM), an endogenous biogenic amine, is a potent agonist of the G protein-coupled trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). T(1)AM is present in rat brain, and TAAR1 is expressed in hypothalamic nuclei associated with the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of T(1)AM on food intake in rodents.
Methods:
We determined the effect of (i) intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of T(1)AM on food intake, oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and locomotor activity in mice; (ii) intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of T(1)AM on food intake in male rats; (iii) c-fos expression following ventricular administration of T(1)AM in male rats; and (iv) direct injection of T(1)AM into the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of male rats on food intake.
Results:
(i) T(1)AM (4 nmol/kg) significantly increased food intake following i.p. injection in mice but had no effect on VO(2) or locomotor activity. (ii) ICV administration of T(1)AM (1.2 nmol/kg) significantly increased food intake in male rats. (iii) Intraventricular administration of T(1)AM significantly increased c-fos expression in the ARC of male rats. (iv) Direct administration of T(1)AM (0.12, 0.4 and 1.2 nmol/kg) into the ARC of male rats significantly increased food intake.
Conclusion:
These data suggest that T(1)AM is an orexigenic factor that may act through the ARC to increase food intake in rodents.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Regulation of Food Intake
Goiter

