Thyroid-stimulating hormone (also known as TSH or thyrotropin) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by thyrotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland which regulates the endocrine function of the thyroid gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). TSH production is controlled by a Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH), which is manufactured in the hypothalamus and transported to the Anterior Pituitary gland, where it increases TSH production and release. Somatostatin is also produced by the hypothalamus, and has an opposite effect on the pituitary production of TSH, decreasing or inhibiting its release.
The level of Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood have an additional effect on the pituitary release of TSH. When the levels of T3 and T4 are low, the production of TSH is increased, and conversely, when levels of T3 and T4 are high, then TSH production is decreased. This effect creates a regulatory negative feedback loop. TSH is a glycoprotein and consists of two subunits, the alpha and the beta subunit. The alpha subunit is identical to that of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The beta subunit is unique to TSH, and therefore determines its function.
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilutions:Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receipt at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
