The tissue distribution of thyroglobulin-responsive B and T cells in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT)

The tissue distribution of thyroglobulin antibody producing lymphocytes has been studied during the course of immunisation-induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in the rat. The iliac lymph nodes were initially the most important source of autoantibody but later in the disease the bone marrow and thyroid-draining lymph nodes were also involved. In addition small amounts of thyroglobulin antibody were made by thyroid-derived lymphocytes. A blastogenic response to thyroglobulin was found using lymphocytes from the iliac nodes initially and later from the spleen. These results demonstrate the widespread and sequential involvement of the lymphoid system in the autoimmune response to thyroglobulin.