# THYROID FUNCTION IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN

> **NIH NIH R37** · LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER · 1993 · $280,207

## Abstract

These studies address the control of thyroid function, the presence and
timing of appearance of thyroid hormone effects and the role of EGF
mediating thyroid actions in the fetus.  We utilize the chronically
catheterized fetal-neonatal sheep as a model for human precocial
development; specifically we study 1) the ontogenesis, metabolism, and role
of extraneural thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in fetal thyroid
function, 2) the ontogenesis of thyroid hormone receptors and postreceptor
actions in the fetus and newborn, and 3) the metabolism and thyroid
dependency of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the fetus and the role of
EGF in fetal growth and development.  Thyroidectomized (Tx), Tx + thyroid
hormone (T3) treated, and sham operated fetuses are studied to assess the
effect of thyroid state.  TRH metabolism is assessed by measurements of
TRH, TRH analogues, pre-pro TRH mRNA, TRH degrading enzymes and TRH
metabolites versus gestation age and versus thyroid state.  TRH plasma
production rate (PPR) and plasma TRH threshold for TSH release are measured
using steady-state kinetic methods.  T3 nuclear receptors (T3NR) are
measured by radioreceptor assay.  T3NR mRNA levels are measured using cDNA
probes for different receptor types.  Postreceptor actions (growth factor
levels, hormone receptors, enzyme activities, etc.) are measured by
standard methods.  All are related to gestation age and T3NR mRNA levels
are measured using cDNA probes for different receptor types.  Postreceptor
action (growth factor levels, hormone receptors, enzyme activities, etc.)
are measured by standard methods.  All are related to gestation age and
T3NR binding and T3NR mRNA types are related to postreceptor actions.
Tissue EGF and EGF receptors (EGFR), EGF and EGFR mRNA levels, and EGF PPR
are measured versus gestation age and thyroid state.  The effects of EGF on
growth and development of the athyroid fetus also are studied.  Our results
will add importantly to knowledge about the role of thyroid hormones in
fetal-neonatal development and guide decision about management of disorder
of thyroid function in pregnancy and therapy of the fetus with thyroid
dysfunction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194842
- **Project number:** 5R37HD004270-25
- **Recipient organization:** LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LTJVF4QSFCP9
- **Principal Investigator:** DELBERT A. FISHER
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $280,207
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1979-06-01 → 1995-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194842

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194842, THYROID FUNCTION IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN (5R37HD004270-25). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194842. Licensed CC0.

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