heterothyrotropic effect

biology

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June 29, 2026

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The term "heterothyrotropic effect" refers to the ability of certain hormones, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to stimulate the secretion of thyroid hormones in lower vertebrates. This is an unexpected property because LH and FSH are primarily known as gonadotropins, regulating reproductive functions in mammals.1

Thyrotropin, also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and directly stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The heterothyrotropic effect suggests that LH, FSH, and thyrotropin may have evolved from a common ancestral molecule, leading to some overlap in their functions. This effect is primarily observed in lower vertebrates, and its significance in mammals is less clear.231

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hormone
Luteinizing hormone (interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone)
This so-called heterothyrotropic effect has led to the supposition that FSH, LH, and thyrotropin may have evolved by modification of a common ancestral glycoprotein molecule, resulting in an overlap of properties.
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This so-called heterothyrotropic effect has led to the supposition that FSH, LH, and thyrotropin may have evolved by modification of a common ancestral glycoprotein molecule, resulting in an overlap of properties.
Read More