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Seronegative Hashimoto thyroiditis with thyroid autoantibody production localized to the thyroid
J R Baker1, N B Saunders, L Wartofsky
1Transplant Immunology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Hashimoto disease may be an organ-restricted autoimmune disorder. Intrathyroidal lymphocytes in patients produced thyroid-specific antibodies, even without peripheral immune response evidence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hashimoto disease is a common autoimmune thyroid disorder.
- The immune mechanisms underlying Hashimoto disease are not fully understood.
- This study investigated the role of intrathyroidal lymphocytes in antibody production.
Observation:
- A patient with goiter underwent thyroidectomy.
- Histology revealed Hashimoto disease.
- Thyroid-derived lymphocytes, when stimulated, produced antibodies against thyroid antigens.
Findings:
- Lymphocytes isolated from the patient's thyroid gland produced antibodies targeting thyroglobulin, thyroid microsomes, thyrocytes, and thyrotropin.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes showed no such antithyroid activity.
- Monoclonal antibodies with high-affinity binding to thyroid antigens were generated from intrathyroidal lymphocytes.
Implications:
- These findings suggest Hashimoto disease can manifest as an organ-restricted autoimmune disorder.
- Intrathyroidal lymphocytes play a crucial role in the localized autoimmune response.
- This organ-specific autoimmunity may occur independently of a systemic immune response.
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