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.