A recent research has provided much insight in to the process of brain development and effects of hormone deficiencies on this process. This research, concluded at the “Karolinska Institutet” revealed that during the stage of early pregnancy, deficiencies of the thyroid hormones could cause “locomotors under-development” in a child. ‘Routine Pregnancy Tests’ there fore must examine this issue in detail, say the researchers.”Hyperthyreosis” is a typical disease found in children who are born with deficiencies of the thyroid hormones. Such children’s are at great risk of ‘locomotors under-development’ and the ‘brain under-development’ if proper treatment at the right time is not given to these children.

Scientists are still exploring in to the exact reasons that are primarily responsible for such impacts of thyroid hormone deficiencies. Scientists are also focusing on to identify the level of attention that is required to be paid to women’s hormone levels when she is pregnant. It is worthwhile to note that all the new born babies in Sweden are necessarily tested for “Hyperthyreosis”. But this is not true with all the women at the same time.

Experiments conducted on mice by the scientists at ‘Karolinska Institutet’ have almost established that the thyroid hormones of both the mother and the child are necessary for complete “locomotors development”. During the period of pregnancy, mother remains as the only source for these thyroid hormones for the baby and any deficiency in this hormone will produce ‘locomotors disorders’ which will pass to the adulthood also. At this stage the problem becomes worse and it goes beyond the range of any treatment also, according to the scientists.

Professor Bjorn Vennstrom, the lead researcher, says, “Hypothyreosis is easy to treat if it’s discovered”. He further advocates and supports the views of many other scientists who feel that more detailed monitoring of pregnant women must be ensured.

The ‘locomotors disorders’ are the results an abnormal development of specific nerve cells in motor cortex and cerebellum. With this perspective, this research study has provided a detailed insight in to the vital role of thyroid hormones which becomes a determining factor for proper brain development.

Gene modified mice were used for this study and mutation in one of two thyroid hormone receptors was monitored for resulting outcomes by the researchers. This means that the patients identified with such mutations of same type of receptor can also be identified for immediate treatment. This is the first ever finding in this regard, according to the scientists.