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Thyroid Hormone Activation

Meaning

The essential physiological process of converting the relatively inactive prohormone, thyroxine (T4), into the highly potent, biologically active hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), primarily through the action of specific deiodinase enzymes. This peripheral conversion is crucial because T3 is the primary ligand that binds to the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor, mediating nearly all of the hormone’s profound metabolic, cardiovascular, and developmental effects. Optimal activation is necessary for maintaining a state of euthyroid health.