This book gathers some of the most talented and well-informed experts in the field, who not only summarize the recent breakthroughs and new findings, but also shed light on future research. Special emphasis is placed on the exciting new understanding of the molecular structure of one of the major enzymes (type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase) involved in the activation of the thyroid hormone. This breakthrough culminates the major effort in this field around the world. As a result, we can study the regulation of thyroid hormone activation mechanism at the molecular level. Two other important deiodinase enzymes (types II and III) are also reviewed. Alternate pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism represent another major advance. These pathways are associated with a variety of physiological and disease states, including fasting, glucocorticoid excess, fetal development, and inflammatory and non-thyroidal illnesses. The understanding of these pathways assists us to better understand the physiological and biological basis of the disease process and thus to improve clinical management of patients with thyroidal and non-thyroidal illnesses.

Molecular Basis of Thyroid Hormone Action focuses on the actions of thyroid hormones in eukaryotic cells. This book discusses the profound effects of thyroid hormones on the growth, development, and metabolism of practically all tissues of higher organisms. Organized into 15 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the kinetic interrelationships of hormone bound to specific receptors and hormone associated with other tissue and plasma pools in living animals. This book then discusses the thyroid hormone receptor, a chromatin-associated protein that appears to mediate the actions of the thyroid hormones in mammalian cells. Other chapters consider the localization of the receptors in chromatin. This book further discusses how thyroid hormones stimulate the accumulation of specific mRNA molecules in cell culture as well as in tissues in vivo. This book is intended for readers who are interested in cell and molecular biology. Endocrinologists will also find this book extremely useful.

International Series of Monographs on Pure and Applied Biology, Volume 1: The Thyroid Hormones focuses on the reactions, characteristics, and chemistry of thyroid hormones. The selection first offers information on the chemistry of thyroxine, iodinated compounds of the thyroid glands, and biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones. Discussions focus on the constitution of desiodothyroxine, diiodotyrosine, biological significance of the iodothyronines, rate of secretion of the thyroid hormone into the circulation, and formation of thyroxine from diiodotyrosine in vitro. The manuscript then takes a look at the transport and physiological actions of the thyroid hormones. Topics include thyroxine-binding by other serum proteins, extravascular fluids, and tissue proteins, effect on nitrogen and lipid metabolism, growth, maturation, and differentiation, and effect on the cardiovascular system and blood. The book examines the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones, extrathyroidal distribution and metabolism of iodine, and biochemical pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism. The text is a dependable reference for readers interested in the reactions, characteristics, and chemistry of thyroid hormones.

This volume aims to detail the advances in the field of Thyroid hormones (THs), namely T3 and T4, and their nuclear receptor TRs from a conceptual and methodological point of view. Chapters guide readers through a general introduction, TR's engineered mice, human genetics of TRs, control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, the relevance of the local THs production and metabolism and pathological consequences of TH/TR alterations. Non-mammalian models are also presented and discussed. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Thyroid Hormone Nuclear Receptor: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

As is the case in all fields of medicine, developmental endocrinology is now being studied at the molecular level. In this volume world-class researchers review the advances of the past decade in the study of normal and abnormal organogenesis of the thyroid gland and of the ontogeny of its function. They describe human thyroid development and its defects with the help of genetic studies in mouse models. Genetic defects of thyroid hormone synthesis are covered and their clinical relevance debated. The important field of thyroid cancer in the context of spontaneous occurrence and as part of familial neoplasia syndromes is described in detail. Finally, the important problem of environmental iodine deficiency which has emerged as a global public health concern is addressed. For the first time, a decade of work is presented in a concise and highly readable form. Offering valuable insight both for senior clinicians and graduate students, this publication will be of central interest to basic scientists involved in developmental biology as well as to pediatricians and endocrinologists dealing with patients with congenital disorders of thyroid function.