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The discovery of triiodothyronine (T3) and its binding to specific receptors have been instrumental in understanding the mode of thyroid hormone action. Equally so, the generation of T3 from its precursor T4 and secreted by the thyroid gland, have elucidated how the proper amount of active hormone is supplied to organs and cells in a specific manner and in tune with changing requirements. The latter is achieved through the action of specific iodothyronine deiodinases. This minireview addresses the properties and function of iodothyronine deiodinases, and their control of T3 supply to target tissues, using as model genetic errors of nature in human and mice as well as laboratory induced mutations in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]