What is the Origin of TSH Receptor Antibodies?

The term is a compound of 'TSH Receptor,' the specific target site on the thyroid gland, and 'Antibodies,' the immunological proteins that bind to specific antigens. They are the defining clinical markers for conditions like Graves' disease and certain forms of autoimmune hypothyroidism.

What is the Mechanism of TSH Receptor Antibodies?

TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAbs) can be functionally classified as either stimulating (TSAb), which mimic the action of TSH and cause thyroid overproduction leading to hyperthyroidism, or blocking (TBAb), which prevent TSH from binding and potentially cause glandular underactivity leading to hypothyroidism. The presence and functional type of these autoantibodies dictate the resulting thyroid dysfunction by either inappropriately activating or inhibiting the gland's hormone synthesis and secretion pathways.

TSH Receptor Antibodies ∞ Area

TSH Receptor Antibodies

Meaning

Immunoglobulin proteins produced by the body’s immune system that specifically target and bind to the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) receptors located on the surface of thyroid follicular cells. These circulating autoantibodies are central to the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of several distinct autoimmune thyroid diseases.