Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Expression of thyroid hormone transporters in the human hypothalamus
Anneke Alkemade1, Edith C H Friesema, Andries Kalsbeek
1Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, G2-136, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. anneke.alkemade@amc.uva.nl
Context:
Transport of thyroid hormone across the plasma membrane is required for proper thyroid hormone action and metabolism. Several specific thyroid hormone transporters have been identified capable of facilitating uptake and/or efflux of thyroid hormones. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)-8, MCT10, and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1C1 (OATP1C1) are the best-characterized specific thyroid hormone transporters to date.
Objective:
Our earlier studies in the human hypothalamus have shown that MCT8 is present in neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and infundibular nucleus (IFN) and in tanycytes. We hypothesized that also MCT10 and OATP1C1 are present in specific areas of the human hypothalamus.
Design:
We studied postmortem brain samples of patients with known serum thyroid hormone levels using immunocytochemistry to investigate the distribution of MCT10 and OATP1C1 in the hypothalamus.
Results:
We found strong neuronal MCT10 immunocytochemical staining in a number of hypothalamic nuclei, including the PVN, IFN, and supraoptic nucleus. Intense staining was also observed in neurons of the lateral hypothalamus including the perifornical area. OATP1C1 immunoreactivity was present in glial cells throughout the hypothalamus. In addition, staining was present in capillary walls and in neurons of the PVN, IFN, and supraoptic nucleus.
Conclusion:
The strong expression of MCT10 and OATP1C1 in the human hypothalamus indicates a possible role in the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.
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...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...

