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Thyroid antibodies in thyroid diseases.
Ciba Foundation Symposium
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Thyroid autoimmunity involves cell surface antigens and TSH receptor antibodies. These antibodies can stimulate or block thyroid function, impacting conditions like Graves' disease and goiters.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Thyroid microsomal antigen is expressed on apical microvilli of polarized thyroid cells.
- Thyroid autoimmunity involves antibodies targeting cell surface antigens and TSH receptors.
- TSH receptor antibodies can be classified as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) or TSH-growth-inducing (TGI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the pathogenetic role of thyroid autoantibodies in thyroid autoimmunity.
- To differentiate between stimulating and blocking TSH receptor antibodies.
- To define a new category of thyroid autoimmunity associated with TGI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cell surface antigen expression in thyroid acini.
- Characterization of TSH receptor antibodies (TSI and TGI) and their functions.
- Investigation of antibody effects (stimulating vs. blocking) in various thyroid conditions.
Main Results:
- TSH receptor antibodies (TSI and TGI) can stimulate or block thyroid hormone synthesis, release, and growth.
- TGI antibodies are found in goitrous Graves' disease and non-toxic goiters, indicating a role in thyroid hyperplasia.
- Blocking antibodies contribute to thyroid atrophy in myxedema and can prevent hyperthyroidism in euthyroid goiters.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid autoimmunity is complex, involving various autoantibodies with distinct mechanisms.
- TSH receptor antibodies play a significant role in both stimulating and atrophic thyroid diseases.
- The identification of TGI antibodies expands our understanding of thyroid autoimmunity and its clinical manifestations.