Notes on the History of Cellular Uptake and Deiodination of Thyroid Hormone

In this mini review on the history of the research devoted to thyroid hormone metabolism two pathways are discussed, i.e. uptake and subsequent deiodination in cells and tissues. In the 1950's the investigations of these processes were greatly stimulated when 131I became available for research purposes. The true nature of both mechanisms surfaced in the 1970's when it became apparent that transport of thyroid hormones into cells was a regulated carrier mediated process, while deiodination appeared to be catalyzed by different types of enzymes. Kinetic data indicated that these processes were of great importance in the ultimate regulation of thyroid hormone bio-availability.