Levothyroxine T4 40mcg

Levothyroxine T4 is the synthetic form of thyroxine, chemically a quadruple iodinated thyronine derivative and thus a halogenated amino acid derivative. In scientific research, it is studied as a model compound for enzymatic deiodination and nuclear receptor binding, and as a reference standard in analytical work. This compound is offered as 40 mcg tablets, exclusively for laboratory and research purposes.

What is Levothyroxine T4?

Levothyroxine ((2S)-2-amino-3-[4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenoxy)-3,5-diiodophenyl]propanoic acid) is composed of two phenol rings connected by an ether bridge, with an alanine side chain on one ring and a total of four iodine atoms distributed between both rings. These four heavy halogens determine virtually all properties of the molecule: they push the molecular weight above 776 Da, confer a nonpolar character despite the amino acid function, and provide an unmistakable signal in mass spectrometric and elemental analysis. The compound is therefore an instructive case of a molecule that behaves neither as a classical amino acid nor as a classical nonpolar molecule.

In research models, T4 primarily functions as a starting compound. Deiodase enzymes selectively remove one iodine atom, converting the compound into trivalent iodinated T3, which has a significantly higher affinity for the nuclear thyroid hormone receptors TRα and TRβ. This enzymatic step is central to in vitro research into deiodase activity and the transcriptional response of nuclear receptors. Consequently, Levothyroxine T4 is used as a model compound and reference substance within scientific research.

Research areas

In a laboratory context, Levothyroxine T4 occurs in the following research areas, among others:

• Enzymological investigation into deiodase activity and the selective removal of iodine from the thyronine backbone in vitro.
• Research into nuclear receptor binding: the relatively low direct affinity for TRα and TRβ towards the deiodinated metabolite.
• Transcription models in cell culture in which the response of receptor-dependent genes serves as a reading output.
• Research into binding to transport proteins such as thyroxine-binding globulin, transthyretin, and albumin in binding assays.
• Analytical method development and validation (HPLC, LC-MS, element analysis) where the connection serves as the reference standard.
• Stability study of deiodination and photodegradation of highly iodinated aromatics under controlled conditions.

Each of these applications involves controlled laboratory or preclinical model research.

Levothyroxine T4 in our research assortment

Levothyroxine T4 falls under the category of oral investigational compounds in solid tablet form within our product range. While T4 acts on a nuclear receptor and only reaches its active form after enzymatic conversion, other components within the same product line have been specifically chosen to target membrane receptors, hydrolytic enzymes, or transport proteins. These compounds share the oral tablet form but differ fundamentally in molecular class and investigated mechanism.

Specifications

Shape, handling and storage

Levothyroxine T4 is supplied as solid tablets containing a standardized amount of 40 mcg of active substance per tablet, packaged in units of 100. The tablets can be weighed directly in a laboratory setup or placed in a suitable medium for further analysis. The compound is barely water-soluble at neutral pH; therefore, a slightly alkaline or organic medium is usually chosen for analytical work, in which the carboxylic acid is deprotonated.

Store the tablets dry at room temperature, protected from direct light and moisture, in the original packaging. Highly iodinated aromatics are photosensitive and may lose iodine upon prolonged exposure; therefore, limit exposure to daylight while working. Observe the usual laboratory precautions: work in a clean environment, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and prevent cross-contamination with other research materials. Keep the packaging out of reach of unauthorized persons.

Composition and lab results

For this compound, the content is expressed as the amount of active substance per tablet (40 mcg per tablet) instead of as a purity percentage, as is customary for tablet formulations.

You can find an overview of the available analytical documentation on our lab results pageThe reports are centrally collected there for your own research records.

Frequently Asked Questions

To which class of substances does Levothyroxine T4 belong?
It is an iodinated thyronine derivative: an amino acid derivative with two phenol rings connected by an ether bridge and four iodine atoms. It is not a peptide and therefore contains no amino acid sequence, even though it carries one amino acid function.

Why is T4 considered an output connection in the study?
T4 itself binds relatively weakly to the nuclear receptors. In research models, deiodase enzymes remove one iodine atom, after which the formed trivalent iodinated metabolite is the much stronger ligand. That enzymatic step is precisely what is being investigated in vitro.

In what form is the compound supplied?
As tablets with 40 mcg of active ingredient, packaged per 100 pieces.

How do I store the tablets?
Dry, at room temperature and protected from light and moisture, preferably in the original packaging.