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Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
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Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence...

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

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Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1...

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor,...

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular...

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

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Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH...

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Updated: May 6, 2026

Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis

Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis

Published on: December 17, 2010

Pituitary gonadotropins and autoimmunity.

Cristina Cocco¹, Carla Brancia¹, Filomena D'Amato¹

¹NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

|October 25, 2013

Summary

Autoimmune responses targeting gonadotropic cells or gonadotropins can impair reproductive health. These autoantibodies are linked to infertility in both men and women, though their exact cause remains unclear.

Keywords:

Autoantibodies Autoimmunity Gonadotropins Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism Infertility Pituitary

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Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis

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Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice

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Published on: December 17, 2010

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

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Published on: March 17, 2023

Area of Science:

Immunology
Endocrinology
Reproductive Medicine

Background:

Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.
Autoantibodies targeting gonadotropic cells have been observed in various reproductive disorders for over two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of autoantibodies against gonadotropic cells and gonadotropins in reproductive dysfunction and infertility.

Main Methods:

Review of studies utilizing immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect autoantibodies.
Analysis of patient sera from individuals with conditions like cryptorchidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and infertility.

Main Results:

Autoantibodies to gonadotropic cells are found in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Kallmann's syndrome, and other endocrine disorders.
Circulating autoantibodies to gonadotropins are associated with ovarian autoimmunity and infertility in women, and may affect spermatogenesis in men.
The specific auto-antigens within gonadotropic cells are often unidentified.

Conclusions:

Circulating autoantibodies targeting gonadotropic cells and/or gonadotropins can disrupt reproductive mechanisms and lead to infertility.
The precise triggers for the production of these autoantibodies are yet to be determined.