Antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor

General Information

Antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor

The test is used to diagnose Graves' disease and other autoimmune thyroid disorders. A positive result indicates activation or blockage of the TSH receptor by the immune system, leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Thyroid stimulating hormone receptorsThey are membrane structures of thyrocytes. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland binds to them. These receptors ensure the biological action of TSH on cells. In Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter), TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAB)Level increase.

There are different types of antibodies directed against the TSH receptor, which leads to their different effects:

• Stimulating Antibodies (TSH-Stimulating Blocking Antibodies, TSAb) - Imitation of TSH action after binding to the receptor; Their presence leads to the development of hyperthyroidism;
• Antibodies that inhibit TSH receptor binding (TBII, thyrotropin binding inhibitor antibodies) - Inhibits the binding to the TSH receptor and its action on the thyroid gland, due to which the gland can not be adequately stimulated; It is usually associated with Graves' disease, but can be detected in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other diseases of the thyroid gland;
• Blocking Antibodies (TSH Blocking Autoantibodies, TBAb) - After binding to receptors, they suppress the thyroid gland and cause its hypofunction.