Perinatal iron and copper deficiencies alter neonatal rat circulating and brain thyroid hormone concentrations.

ABSTRACT: Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and iodine/thyroid hormone (TH) deficiencies lead to similar defects in late brain development, suggesting that these micronutrient deficiencies share a common mechanism contributing to the observed derangements. Previous studies in rodents (postweanling and adult) and humans (adolescent and adult) indicate that Cu and Fe deficiencies affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, leading to altered TH status. Importantly, however, relationships between Fe and Cu deficiencies and thyroidal status have not been assessed in the most vulnerable population, the developing fetus/neonate. We hypothesized that Cu and Fe deficiencies reduce circulating and brain TH levels during development, contributing to the defects in brain development associated with these deficiencie

SUBMITTER: Bastian TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2940517 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature