Title:Effects of Thyroid Hormones and their Metabolites on Learning and Memory in Normal and Pathological Conditions
Volume: 18
Issue: 3
Author(s): Alice Accorroni, Grazia Chiellini and Nicola Origlia*
Affiliation:
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 56124 Pisa,Italy
Keywords:
Thyroid hormone, 3-iodothyronamine, neuroprotection, memory, hippocampus, dementia.
Abstract: Background: Classical thyroid hormones have an established necessary role in the normal development of
the central nervous system, and they have been recently considered as decisive factors influencing cognitive functions
in the adult brain and involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The picture summarizing thyroid hormone
effects on the adult brain, however, does not only include classical thyroid hormones but also the products of their
peripheral metabolism. These latter have been considered as inactive breakdown products for long but recently were
proved to produce significant biological effects.
Objective: In this review article we presented recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that thyroid hormones exert a
neuroprotective effect in the brain areas involved in learning and memory. Moreover, we summarized the evidence that
suggests that non-classical thyroid hormones produce significant neurological effects in the adult brain. We also discussed
the possible role of thyroid hormones in the cognitive impairment, typical of Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature based on the current knowledge of the effects of classical and nonclassical
thyroid hormones on the adult brain and their role in Alzheimer’s disease was performed.
Results: The available literature suggests that both classical and non-classical thyroid hormones act as neuroprotective
agents in the brain areas related to learning and memory. Their role in these areas supports the idea that they may be
involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion: Thyroid hormones produce significant neurological effects, act as neuroprotective agents and might be
considered as future diagnostic and therapeutic tools for Alzheimer’s disease.
