Liothyronine Sodium - T3 Cytomel

Liothyronine Sodium is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring thyroid hormone T3. Cytomel T3 Liothyronine is the most potent form of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are essential to proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body. These hormones also regulate protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, affecting how human cells use energetic compounds.

 Liothyronine Sodium – Cytomel T3

What is Liothyronine Sodium?

Liothyronine Sodium is a synthetic chemical that is identical to the naturally occurring thyroid hormone triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine is often referred to as T3. Cytomel T3 is the licensed trademark of King Pharmaceuticals. Cytomel is sold only as a doctor prescribed medication within the US. Liothyronine Sodium is the active pharmacological compound in Cytomel.

Current Uses of Cytomel T3

Cytomel is a prescription drug that is prescribed for a condition known as hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism the thyroid is not capable of creating enough thyroid hormone. This results in slow metabolism and weight gain in the form of adipose tissue (fat). The thyroid gland is one of the major regulators of metabolism. The most powerful thyroid hormone in terms of regulating metabolism is T3. Higher levels of T3 result in higher rates of metabolism, higher core temperature and greater fat oxidation.

Mechanism of Action

In its naturally occurring state triiodothyronine (T3) is converted from thyroxine(T4). Levothyroxine is the trade name of the synthetic version of T4. In vivo T4 created in larger quantities and is converted to T3. Even though the amount of T3 that circulates in-vivo is significantly less than the amount of circulating T4 the effect is quite profound. T3 appears to affect mitochondrial activity which is a contributor to mitochondrial biogenesis (1). When researched Liothyronine Sodium also seems to have a positive effect on glucose induced insulin secretion. Insulin has long been known as a factor in the storage of adipocytes in mammals. The positive effects on insulin secretion of liothyronine sodium (Cytomel – T3) in addition to its well documented increases in metabolic activity produces decreases in weight and decreases in body fat deposits (2).

Research and Medical Applications

Liothyronine Sodium has been and will continue to be used in the research of thyroid conditions particularly in mammals and in its effects both in-vivo and in-vitro on fatty tissue. Cytomel T3 is prescribed by doctors and thus far has only been approved in the USA for the treatment of thyroid conditions which should be diagnosed by a medical professional. Cytomel T3 can only be purchased within the US as a prescription medication.

As a research chemical it is available in liquid form which helps in its in-vitro application to various isolated components of organisms. In-vivo has often been conducted in mammalian test subjects including rhesus monkeys, rats, horses and humans. In all studies the results have been predictable reductions in adipose (fat) deposits and increases in Basal Metabolic Rate (BSM). The exact mechanism for these actions is still subject for further research.

Conclusion

Liothyronine Sodium also sold commercially and medically as Cytomel T3 is commonly used medically to treat hypothyroidsm and in research to investigate Liothyronine Sodium’s effect on fatty tissue and metabolism. T3 has reliably shown potent fat loss in mammalian subjects and a reliable safety profile when administered in non-supraphysiological amounts.

It is important to note that purchasing Cytomel T3 without a valid doctors prescription is illegal. Purchasing Liothyronine Sodium for use in research is legal, but that research is limited in application to laboratory and non-human use. The Chem Depot only sells Liothyronine Sodium as a research reagent and only for use in research applications.

Sources:

(1)Â Â Â Mitochondrial T3 receptor p43 regulates insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21914860)

(2)Â Â Â Experimental hyperthyroidism decreases gene expression and serum levels of adipokines in obesity. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22645452)