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Endocrine
Published in: Endocrine 3/2011

01-12-2011 | Mini-Review

Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormones: pathophysiology and therapeutic options

Authors: Satoru Suzuki, Satoshi Shigematsu, Hidefumi Inaba, Masahiro Takei, Teiji Takeda, Mitsuhisa Komatsu

Published in: Endocrine | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

Thyroid hormone secretion suppresses the expression of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), both of which are strictly controlled by a negative feedback loop between the hypothalamus-pituitary and thyroid. Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone (PRTH) is defined as resistance to the action of thyroid hormone that is more severe in the pituitary than at the peripheral tissue level. Although the molecular basis of PRTH is not well understood, the clinical issue mainly involves imbalance between the hypothalamus-pituitary and peripheral thyroid hormone responsivity, which may induce peripheral thyrotoxic phenomena. Here, we review the pathogenesis and molecular aspects of PRTH, present a single case with inappropriate TSH secretion suffering from thyrotoxicosis treated with PTU, and discuss the possible choice of therapeutic options to correct the imbalance of thyroid hormone responsivity in both the hypothalamus–pituitary and peripheral tissues.
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Metadata
Title
Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormones: pathophysiology and therapeutic options
Authors
Satoru Suzuki
Satoshi Shigematsu
Hidefumi Inaba
Masahiro Takei
Teiji Takeda
Mitsuhisa Komatsu
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Endocrine / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1355-008X
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0100
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-011-9538-2

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