Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Neurotransmitters01:30

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the autonomic nervous system. Neurons in the autonomic nervous system can be cholinergic or adrenergic depending on the neurotransmitters synthesized. Cholinergic neurons use acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter. This includes all the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic and pre- and postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition, neurons of the somatic nervous system also use...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
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 Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
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...
Neurotransmitters01:31

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Thyroid hormone action: nongenomic modulation of neuronal excitability in the hippocampus.

Journal of neuroendocrinology·2008
Same author

Thyroid hormone distribution in the mouse brain: the role of transthyretin.

Neuroscience·2002
Same author

Evidence that 3,3',5-triiodothyronine is concentrated in and delivered from the locus coeruleus to its noradrenergic targets via anterograde axonal transport.

Neuroscience·1999
Same author

Immunohistochemical mapping of brain triiodothyronine reveals prominent localization in central noradrenergic systems.

Neuroscience·1996
Same author

Film autoradiography identifies unique features of [125I]3,3'5'-(reverse) triiodothyronine transport from blood to brain.

Journal of neurophysiology·1994
Same author

An acute dose of desmethylimipramine inhibits brain uptake of [125I]3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) in thyroxine-induced but not T3-induced hyperthyroid rats: implications for tricyclic antidepressant therapy.

The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics·1994

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Thyroid hormones as neurotransmitters

M B Dratman1, J T Gordon

  • 1Department of Medicine, MCP Hanneman School of Medicine, Allegheny University, and Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|December 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Thyroid hormones, like neurotransmitters, regulate brain growth and function. This study reveals thyroid hormone circuitry in the brain, acting alongside norepinephrine in noradrenergic systems.

More Related Videos

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
04:14

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse

Published on: October 6, 2023

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function
04:05

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

Published on: October 6, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
04:14

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse

Published on: October 6, 2023

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function
04:05

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

Published on: October 6, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Neurotransmitters function as growth regulators during brain development and continue to influence neuronal plasticity in adults.
  • Catecholamines, such as norepinephrine, are known to play dual roles in neurotransmission and growth regulation.
  • Emerging evidence suggests thyroid hormones may utilize similar mechanisms in both developing and adult brains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and mechanisms of thyroid hormones in the brain, particularly their interaction with the noradrenergic system.
  • To map the distribution of triiodothyronine in noradrenergic centers and projection sites.
  • To elucidate the circuitry and functional connections between central thyronergic and noradrenergic systems.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical mapping using specific antibodies to detect triiodothyronine distribution in brain regions.
  • Analysis of triiodothyronine and tyrosine hydroxylase localization in noradrenergic centers (locus coeruleus, lateral tegmental system) and target sites.
  • Biochemical and morphological data integration to construct thyroid hormone circuitry.
  • Assessment of axonal transport's role using the neurotoxin DSP-4.
  • Investigation of signal transduction mechanisms at membrane and nuclear levels in postsynaptic cells.

Main Results:

  • Triiodothyronine was found concentrated in both noradrenergic centers and projection sites, with distinct localization patterns (cytosol/cell processes in centers, cell nuclei in targets).
  • The locus coeruleus was identified as a key site for triiodothyronine concentration, involving norepinephrine-mediated conversion of thyroxine.
  • Axonal transport from the locus coeruleus delivers both triiodothyronine and norepinephrine to terminal fields.
  • Postsynaptic cells possess mechanisms for transducing both thyronergic and noradrenergic signals, enabling genomic effects.

Conclusions:

  • A direct morphologic connection exists between central thyronergic and noradrenergic systems.
  • Triiodothyronine and norepinephrine may function as cotransmitters within the adrenergic nervous system.
  • Thyroid hormones play a significant role in brain function, potentially acting as neuromodulators alongside catecholamines.