Thyroid Hormone and Central Control of Metabolic Homeostasis

Thyroid Hormone (TH) regulates energy balance, lipid metabolism and cardiovascular function. These effects are largely due direct action of TH on peripheral target tissues. However, there is increasing evidence for a direct central action of TH modulating metabolic processes, including regulation of thermogenesis, food intake, hepatic glucose metabolism and cardiovascular tone through direct action in the brain. Here, we review the current understanding of mechanisms including key hypothalamic signaling involved in central TH regulation of energy balance and metabolism.