title: Roles of serum thyroxine-binding proteins and maternal thyroid hormones in fetal development.
abstract: Endocrinologists have speculated for many years about three apparently unrelated topics--the unknown physiological role of specific thyroid (and steroid) hormone-binding proteins present in serum; the extent and significance of placental transport of thyroid hormones from mother to fetus throughout pregnancy; and the specific hormonal role (if any) of thyroxine. A unifying hypothesis is advanced for the existence of subtle endocrine control systems which may profoundly affect early fetal development and ultimate intellectual and behavioural attainments in adults.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ekins
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013975:Thyroxine-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D013975:Thyroxine-Binding Proteins; D014284:Triiodothyronine; D013974:Thyroxine