Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Elevated Graves' Disease-Specific Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor
Anu Alvin Mathew1, Roshin Papaly2, Alvin Maliakal3
1Endocrinology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, IND.
Abstract:
Subacute thyroiditis can be rarely associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders. It includes Graves' disease which is characterized by the presence of a highly specific antibody known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb). There are three types of TRAb: TSH receptor stimulating antibody (TSAb) which stimulates the TSH receptor causing Graves' disease, TSH receptor blocking antibody (TBAb) which blocks the TSH receptor causing hypothyroidism, and a neutralizing antibody which does not alter the thyroid function. There are two assays used to check the TRAb: the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) assay and the TSH receptor-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) assay out of which the TSI assay measures the stimulating antibody which is specific for graves' disease. Although autoimmune thyroid disorders can rarely occur following subacute thyroiditis, their clinical presentation is usually compatible with the type of antibody detected in the patient's serum. We present a unique case of a 44-year-old patient who presented with subacute thyroiditis followed by the development of persistent hypothyroidism even in the presence of elevated Graves' disease-specific TSI and TRAb.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...

