Released in response to thyroid
stimulating hormone from the
anterior pituitary which in turn is
stimulated by thyroid regulating
hormone from the hypothalamus
Include T3 (triiodotyrosine)
and T4 (thryoxine)
Made in follicles of the thyroid gland
made up of follicular cells surrounded by a
central, protein rich colloid
Between these are C cells that synthesise and secrete
calcitonin. Calcitonin is secreted when calcium levels are
high. Inhibits osteoclast and stimulates calcium excretion by
the kidneys. This is important for growth in children
Parathyroid glands are made
up of chief calls that secrete
parathyroid hormone when
calcium levels are low
PTH mobilises calcium from bone by
increasing osteoclast activity and increasing
growth factor RANKL. Enhances calcium
reabsorption at the kidneys.
Stimulates calcitriol that enhances calcium and phosphate
absorption from the digestive tract. Calcitriol is synthesised from D3
in the kidneys
High calcium levels stop
PTH by negative
feedback
Hyperparathyroidism causes hypercalcemia. Symptoms
include fatigue, confusion, calcification of kidneys and
soft tissue. Treatments involves parathyroid removal,
calcitonin administration and hypertonic fluid
Hypoparathyroidism causes hypocalcaemia. Symptoms include muscle
spasms, weak heart beat and osteoporosis. Treatments involve calcium
supplements and vitamin D
Normal calcium levels =
2.3-2.4mmol/l (cells)
1.4mmol/l (plasma)
Thyroglobulin proteins become iodinated to
monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine from iodine in
the diet and these join to form T3 or T4. These are
taken into follicular cells at the apical surface
T4 is produced in greater concentrations than T3 but
T3 is four times more poten. T4 is therefore converted
to T3 by liver or target tissue
TSH binds to Gs receptors.
Protein kinase sequences cause
the release of T3 and T4 from
thyroglobulin to the blood at the
basolateral surface
TSH secretion stops when levels of
T4 become high - negative feedback
Thyroid hormones are lipophilic and so bind to
intracellular receptors on the nucleus of
mitochondria
This causes increased protein synthesis, cell growth and maturation,
increased metabolic rate, increased oxygen consumption, increased
cardiac output, heart rate and force of contraction, thermogenesis and
increased sensitivity to sympathetic stimulation
In children this causes a rise in body
temperature - survival technique
Hypothyroidism -
underactive thyroid
Caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid
gland. This causes fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold,
dry skin and hair, heavy periods, constipation and
slowed thinking
May be central (low TSH) or primary (low T4 levels)
Treatment includes giving thyroxine and T3
orally. Overdose can lead to angina, cardiac
dysrhythmia or hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism -
overactive thyroid
Can be due to
Grave's disease which
is also associated
with Graves
opthalmopathy
Symptoms include shaking, nervousness, irritability, rapid
heart beat, feeling hot, weight loss, fatigue, frequent bowel
movements and fatigue
Treatment involves beta blockers such as propranolol to reduce heart
palpitations, anti thyroid drugs such as carbamizole which affects the
synthesis, propylthiouracil and methimazole