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thyroid hormones
iodine-containing hormones secreted by the thyroid gland, referring primarily to thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine or T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The serum level of T4 is normally 45 to 50 times the level of T3. However, T3 is several times more active than T4, and most T3 is produced by metabolism of T4 in peripheral tissues. Thyroid hormones influence many metabolic processes: they stimulate the cellular production of heat;
stimulate protein synthesis; regulate many aspects of carbohydrate metabolism; stimulate lipid synthesis, mobilization, and
degradation; stimulate the synthesis of coenzymes from vitamins; and may affect the response of tissues to epinephrine and
norepinephrine.
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