Thyroid Hormones

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.