THYROID HORMONES

THYROID HORMONES:

The thyroid gland produces mainly iodine containing compounds as its hormonal secretion. Thyroxine is the most important hormone of the thyroid gland. This hormone highly influences the general metabolism of the body. The hormone has greater influence being concerned with energy transformation in the body. The thyroid hormone increases the Cytochrome-C content of the cells. Thus ATP generation is brought under its active control. This action has long-term effects on cellular metabolism.

Thyroxine is produced from Tyrosine. When the supply of iodine through diet is insufficient, the Thyroid glands swell up significantly. This leads to a disproportionate swelling of the throat region. This disease is known as “Goitre.”

Due to lack of Thyroxine
(1) Biological reactions of the body are slowed down considerably.

(2) Pulse beat becomes weak.

(3) Blood pressure is reduced.

(4) Physical as well as mental fatigue sets in quickly.
Due to excess of Thyroxine:

(1) Pulse beat increases in intensity.

(2) Blood pressure rises.

(3) The body weight decreases.

(4) Temperamentally a person becomes very irritable.

If the Thyroid gland is hypo functional right from birth then
(1) The child suffers from mental retardation.
(2) The facial features develop erratically.

(3) This leads to disfiguration.