Thyroid and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles

J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol. 2023 Nov;339(9):869-877. doi: 10.1002/jez.2737. Epub 2023 Jul 31.

Abstract

The relationship between the thyroid gland and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles has been studied for more than 100 years. Most studies suggest a positive involvement of thyroid hormones with some aspects of reproduction, but some studies support a negative role for thyroid hormones at certain life stages. Comprehensive studies of gene activation/suppression by thyroid hormones and their absence at various levels of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis coupled with observations of adrenocorticoid activity, reproductive performance, and metabolic involvement are needed to understand this complex relationship.

Keywords: amphibia; reproduction; reptilia; thyroid.

MeSH terms

  • Amphibians / physiology
  • Animals
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Reptiles*
  • Thyroid Gland* / metabolism
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism

Substances

  • Thyroid Hormones