The influence of the thyroid gland on color vision

Hormones produced by the thyroid affect color vision – informs the EurekAlert website.

According to information from the EurekAlert website, the thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are of great importance for the development of the body, including the nervous system. Babies born with a deficiency of thyroid hormones have serious problems with physical and mental development. Studies in mice have shown that thyroid hormones also influence the formation and function of the eyes.

Until now, the way of seeing colors in an adult mouse (or human) retina was considered to be constant. However, scientists from the Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt am Main, together with colleagues from the local university and universities in Vienna, have shown that the thyroid hormone influences the production of visual pigments in photosensitive parts of the retina responsible for color vision – cones. Under its influence, the synthesis of the dye responsible for blue vision decreases, and the dye responsible for green color increases.

Researchers have shown that thyroxine regulates the production of visual pigments in mature suppositories in mice and rats. As they suspect, this mechanism may be common in mammals, and thus – also in humans. In this case, thyroxine deficiency that appeared in adulthood should be accompanied by a color vision impairment. There are no such reports in the medical literature – perhaps before the visual disturbance develops – other serious symptoms will prompt clinicians to treat vigorously.

(CARDBOARD)

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