The study investigates the effects of thyroid hormones (TH) on cardiac function, specifically focusing on which thyroid hormone receptors (TR) mediate these effects and through which mechanisms.
Researchers compared mice with knockout versions of TRα and TRβ receptors to wild-type mice and assessed heart changes after treatment with T3, a form of thyroid hormone.
Results showed that T3-induced ventricular hypertrophy primarily involved noncanonical TRα action, while heart rate regulation was mainly governed by canonical TRα action, with TRβ being able to compensate for some TRα functions.
Thyroid hormones (THs) are important for heart health, but their effects on older mice with existing heart issues remain unclear, especially in the context of conditions like hypertension and aging.
A study found that manipulating TH levels in aged mice with heart damage (induced by transverse aortic constriction) showed minimal effects on heart function and structure, contrasting with significant changes seen in younger mice.
The researchers noted altered expressions of certain genes related to TH metabolism and action in older mice, which might explain the reduced responsiveness of their hearts to thyroid hormone levels.