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Thyroid Hormone Transport

Meaning

Thyroid Hormone Transport is the critical physiological process by which the thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are carried through the bloodstream to target cells and subsequently across the cell membrane. Since these are lipid-soluble hormones, they are largely bound to specific carrier proteins, such as Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG), for systemic circulation. The efficiency of this transport system dictates the bioavailability of free, active thyroid hormone to regulate cellular metabolism and gene expression. Impairments in transport protein synthesis or binding affinity can lead to states of functional hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism despite normal gland output.