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TSH receptor antibodies in autoimmune thyroiditis
J P Nordmeyer1, F A Hashim, T Shafeh
1Medizinische Klinik, Hagen, West Germany.
Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
TSH receptor antibodies with blocking activity were found in 15% of hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. These blocking antibodies were not detected in early disease stages, suggesting they are unlikely to cause hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroiditis is a common endocrine disorder.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb) play a role in thyroid dysfunction.
- Blocking TRAb activity is implicated in hypothyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and role of TSH receptor antibodies with blocking activity in autoimmune thyroiditis.
- To determine if blocking antibodies are associated with hypothyroidism severity or thyroid volume.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of patient data from a thyroid clinic over three years.
- Detection of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) using receptor assay.
- Assessment of TRAb blocking activity via bioassay.
- Thyroid volume measurement using sonography.
Main Results:
- TSH receptor antibodies with blocking activity were detected in 15% of hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Blocking antibody prevalence in this cohort was similar to findings in Japan.
- No correlation was observed between thyroid volume and the presence of blocking antibodies.
- Blocking antibodies were undetectable in euthyroid or latent hypothyroid patients.
Conclusions:
- Blocking TSH receptor antibodies are present in a significant subset of hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- The absence of blocking antibodies in early disease stages suggests they are not a primary cause of hypothyroidism.
- Further research may clarify the precise role of blocking antibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease progression.