THYROID-HORMONES AND THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Thyroid hormones have a significant influence on the development and m aturation of the central nervous system. Among their actions, T-3 and T-4 have effects on the differentiation of various cell types in the r at brain and cerebellum as well as on the process of myelination. Rece ntly, several investigators have shown effects of thyroid hormones on myelin protein gene expression. Thyroid hormones seem to have a regula tory role with regart to life span. Hyperthyroid animals appear to hav e a shorter life and, at advanced age, show a myelin deficit. This may be due to the damage produced by the oxidative stress generated by an excess of thyroid hormones.