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Deiodinase Activity

Meaning

Deiodinase Activity refers to the enzymatic function of a family of selenium-dependent enzymes, known as deiodinases (D1, D2, and D3), which are critically responsible for activating and inactivating thyroid hormones. These enzymes selectively remove iodine atoms from the thyroid hormone molecule, controlling the local and systemic concentration of the highly potent T3 (triiodothyronine) relative to the prohormone T4 (thyroxine) and the inactive reverse T3 (rT3). This activity is the ultimate gatekeeper of thyroid hormone action at the cellular level.