Türeoidstimuleerivat

Türeoidstimuleerivat, also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyrotropin, is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to regulate the production of hormones by the thyroid gland, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). TSH plays a crucial role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, a feedback system that controls thyroid hormone levels in the body.

When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete TSH. TSH then travels to the thyroid gland and binds to specific receptors on thyroid follicular cells. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events that lead to the synthesis and release of T4 and T3. These thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body.

Conversely, when thyroid hormone levels are high, TRH and TSH secretion are suppressed, thereby reducing thyroid hormone production. This negative feedback mechanism ensures that thyroid hormone levels remain within a narrow, healthy range. Abnormal levels of TSH can indicate various thyroid disorders. For instance, high TSH levels may suggest hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, while low TSH levels can be indicative of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Measuring TSH levels is a common diagnostic tool for assessing thyroid function.