Thyroid Flashcards
(44 cards)
What are the secretory units of the thyroid gland?
Follicles
Define colloid
amorphous material composed of thyroglobulin and iodinated thyroalbumin
What are the cell types within the thyroid?
- Follicles
- Colloid
- Parafollicular (C cells)
What are some examples of thyroid conditions?
- Goiter
- thyroiditis
- hypothyroidism
- hyperthyroidism
- grave’s disease
- thyroid cancer
- thyroid nodule
- thyroid storm
What is the biologically active thyroid hormone?
T3
How are T3 and T4 transported in the circulation?
- Thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)
- Thyroxin binding pre-albumin (TBPA)
- Albumin
What % of T3 is free?
0.2 - 0.4%
What % of T4 is free?
0.03%
what is the functional state of the hormone?
Free hormones
What is the function of free T4 and free T3?
- Regulate normal growth and development by maintaining body temperature and stimulating calorigenesis
- Affects carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin metabolism.
- Fetal and neonatal development also require thyroid hormones
How does low T4/T3 affect TRH and TSH levels?
low T4/T3 causes increased TRH and TSH
How do high T4/T3 affect pituitary response to TRH?
Inhibits it. Negative feedback loop
What are the indications for TT4?
- To confirm abnormal (high or low) TSH results.
- Diagnose hyperthyroidism
- Diagnose primary and secondary hypothyroidism
- Monitoring of TSH-suppression therapy
What is the principle thyroid hormone?
TT4
What happens when TT4 <2 ug/dL?
myxedema coma is possible
Critical value
What happens when TT4 >20 ug/dL?
thyroid storm (untreated hyperthyroidism) is possible.
What affects T4 levels?
carrier protein levels
What thyroid levels are screened for in newborns in NYS?
- Initially tests for t4
2. low T4 (lowest 10th percentile) are screened for TSH
What conditions are asst. with increased TT4?
- Patient has undergone iodinated contrast x-ray studies (if a RIA method is used)
- Patient taking certain drugs:
A. patients with increased TBG due to:
-Estrogens
-Oral contraceptives
B. Heroin, amphetamines
C. Methadone
What conditions are asst. with decreased TT4?
1. Patients taking certain drugs: A. Anabolic steroids B. Propylthiouracil C. Barbiturates D. Furosemide E. NSAIs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) F. Androgens
What is the major biologically active thyroid hormone?
Total T3
What is the function of TT3?
Mainly responsible for the development of the effects of the thyroid hormone on the various target organs.
What are the indications for TT3?
- Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism
- Less useful for diagnosis of hypothyroidism
- Monitor thyroid replacement and suppressive therapy
What are the normal adult T3 levels?
70-205 mg/dL