[Thyroid hormone autoantibodies. Characterization and clinical significance]

Circulating autoantibodies against the thyroid hormones are a well-known phenomenon, which was first described in 1956. This article summarizes what is known about the prevalence in the population and the association with diseases and with the thyroid autoantibodies. Biochemical characterization has been performed in a number of studies. The pathophysiological effects are discussed. Clinically, the influences on the thyroid hormone assays are the most important aspect.