| Abstract |
Normal fetal development requires the presence of thyroid hormone. Disruption of any of the
processes regulating the bioavailability of thyroid hormone may contribute to congenital
anomalies. This thesis is focussed a) on the importance of thyroid hormone sulfation during fetal
development, and b) on the potential sulfation-disrupting effects of environmental chemicals such
as hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), because of potential pathogenetic
consequences of disturbed thyroid hormone sulfation for the development of organs, such as
lungs and brain.
In this general introduction, first some information is given on the development of fetal thyroid
status, and the importance of thyroid hormone for the development of organs such as the brain is
discussed. Secondly, Ihyroid hormone synthesis, transport and metabolism, which are all
processes regulating thyroid hormone bioavailability, are reviewed. Additionally, the role of
sulfation in thyroid hormone metabOlism, especially during fetal development, is addressed.
Furthermore, some general information on PCBs and other polyhalogenated aromatic
hydrocarbons is given, and their potential estrogen and thyroid hormone-disrupting effects are
discussed. Finally, the outline of this thesis is presented. |