The TSH Receptor

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) plays a key role in the control of thyroid growth and function. This G-protein-coupled receptor essentially activates adenylate cyclase and to a lesser extent phospholipase C. The role of the cAMP cascade in the production of thyroid hormones and in the mitogenic effect of TSH has been thoroughly studied (reviewed in Dumont et al. 1989).