1. One theory of the pathogenesis of Graves disease
One theory of the pathogenesis of Graves disease. There is a defect in suppressor T lymphocytes (Ts) that allows helper T lymphocytes (TH) to stimulate B lymphocytes (B) to synthesize thyroid autoantibodies. The thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) is the driving force for thyrotoxicosis. The inflammatory process in the orbital muscles may be due to sensitization of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc), or killer cells, to orbital antigens in association with cytotoxic antibodies. The thyroid and the eye are linked by a common antigen, the TSH-R, found in thyroid follicular cells and orbital fibroblasts. It is not yet clear what triggers this immunologic cascade. (Tg Ab, thyroglobulin antibody; TPO Ab, thyroperoxidase or microsomal antibody; Ag, antigen; Ab, antibody.)
Source: The Thyroid Gland, Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology, 10e
Citation: Gardner DG, Shoback D. Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology, 10e; 2017 Available at: Accessed: November 06, 2017
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