Pharmacological properties : תכונות פרמקולוגיות

Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of Action


The synthesis and secretion of the major thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, from the normally functioning thyroid gland are regulated by complex feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamic- pituitary-thyroid axis.
The thyroid gland is stimulated to secrete thyroid hormones by the action of thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH), which is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. TSH secretion is in turn controlled by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) produced in the hypothalamus, circulating thyroid hormones, and possibly other mechanisms. Thyroid hormones circulating in the blood act as feedback inhibitors of both TSH and TRH secretion.

Thus, when serum concentrations of T3 and T4 are increased, secretion of TSH and TRH decreases.
Conversely, when serum thyroid hormone concentrations are decreased, secretion of TSH and TRH is increased. Administration of exogenous thyroid hormones to euthyroid individuals results in suppression of endogenous thyroid hormone secretion.

The mechanisms by which thyroid hormones exert their physiologic actions have not been completely elucidated, but it is thought that their principal effects are exerted through control of DNA transcription and protein synthesis. T3 and T4 are transported into cells by passive and active mechanisms. T3 in cell cytoplasm and T3 generated from T4 within the cell diffuse into the nucleus and bind to thyroid receptor proteins, which appear to be primarily attached to DNA. Receptor binding leads to activation or repression of DNA transcription, thereby altering the amounts of mRNA and resultant proteins. Changes in protein concentrations are responsible for the metabolic changes observed in organs and tissues.


Thyroid hormones enhance oxygen consumption of most body tissues and increase the basal metabolic rate and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Thus, they exert a profound influence on every organ system and are of particular importance in the development of the central nervous system. Thyroid hormones also appear to have direct effects on tissues, such as increased myocardial contractility and decreased systemic vascular resistance.


The physiologic effects of thyroid hormones are produced primarily by T3, a large portion of which (approximately 80%) is derived from the deiodination of T4 in peripheral tissues. About 70 to 90 percent of peripheral T3 is produced by monodeiodination of T4 at the 5 position (outer ring). Peripheral monodeiodination of T4 at the 5 position (inner ring) results in the formation of reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), which is calorigenically inactive.


Levothyroxine, at doses individualized according to patient response, is effective as replacement or supplemental therapy in hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
Levothyroxine is also effective in the suppression of pituitary TSH secretion in the treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter and, as adjunctive therapy in the management of thyrotropin- dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer. See INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Pharmacokinetic Properties