Anti-TSH Receptor Antibodies
Overview
- TSH receptor antibodies are directed against TSH receptors on thyroid follicular cells. In Grave's disease these antibodies bind to TSH receptors and stimulate release of thyroid hormone.
Significance
- Presence of anti-TSH receptor antibodies is pathognomonic of Grave's disease.
- Diagnosis of Grave's disease is usually made clinically in patients with overt manifestations of Grave's such as ophthalmopathy.
- TSH receptor antibodies are a useful test for determining the cause of hyperthyroidism in patients without clear features of Grave's.
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