Thyroid system control development

DEVELOPMENT OF FETAL THYROID SYSTEM CONTROL Delbert A. Fisher... 

Compounds that are endocrine disrupters include natural animal hormones released into the environment, plant toxins or phytoestrogens, synthetic hormones present in sewage water and used for medical treatment (e.g., diethylstilbestrol), and several chemicals, including some pesticides and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs). Endocrine disrupters enter the environment often as a by-product of many chemical and manufacturing processes and through waste disposal routes. Some evidence now suggests that effects of thyroid hormones and the immune system occur in addition to the disruptions of hormones that play a major part in the control of reproduction and development. 

Effects of thyroid hormone The organ level actions of the thyroid drugs include normal growth and development of the nervous, skeletal, and reproductive systems and control of metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. The results of excess thyroid activity (thyrotoxicosis) and hypothyroidism (myxedema) are summarized in Table 38-1. 

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