Mechanism of action of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones have ubiquitous effects and influence the function of most organs. The influences that thyroid hormones have on these diverse functions are primarily mediated through binding of T3 and T4 to specific nuclear receptor sites. The nuclear action of T3 results in organ-specific increases and decreases of specific mRNAs, leading to alteration in the level of the corresponding proteins. In addition to the well established nuclear action of T3, effects of thyroid hormone on other sites including cell membranes and mitochondria have been documented.