Thyroid

Abstract

The functions of the thyroid gland are to elaborate, store, and secrete iodinated hormones. These hormones are carried away by certain blood pro teins and distributed among all the tissues. Their mode of action is n ot yet known, but there is no doubt, however, that the iodine contained in their molecul e is in volve d, so that a re view on the thyroid gland should include not only recent information on the biosynthesis of the hormones but also data on their utilization; that is, it should cover the general problem of iodine metabolism. With the limited space available here it is not possible to present all the progress which has been mad e in the last two years. This review will be an addition to the excellent article of

Depletion of pituitary corticotrophin by various stresses and by neurohypophysial preparations

“…The origin of the corticotrophin in the posterior lobe is unknown. It may arise by binding of the hormone by the neurohypophysis, just as the neurohypophysis binds the hormones of the thyroid (Michel, 1956). A suggestion of this phenomenon may be seen in Fig.…”