Thyroid hormones and methylmercury toxicity

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008 Winter;126(1-3):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s12011-008-8199-3. Epub 2008 Aug 22.

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are essential for cellular metabolism, growth, and development. In particular, an adequate supply of thyroid hormones is critical for fetal neurodevelopment. Thyroid hormone tissue activation and inactivation in brain, liver, and other tissues is controlled by the deiodinases through the removal of iodine atoms. Selenium, an essential element critical for deiodinase activity, is sensitive to mercury and, therefore, when its availability is reduced, brain development might be altered. This review addresses the possibility that high exposures to the organometal, methylmercury (MeHg), may perturb neurodevelopmental processes by selectively affecting thyroid hormone homeostasis and function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Iodide Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Methylmercury Compounds / toxicity*
  • Selenium / metabolism
  • Selenium / physiology
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism*

Substances

  • Methylmercury Compounds
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Iodide Peroxidase
  • Selenium