Improvement of immunologic abnormalities associated with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease during methimazole treatment

Horm Metab Res. 1988 Apr;20(4):235-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1010801.

Abstract

In an attempt to study the effects of methimazole treatment on immunologic abnormality of hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease, TSH receptor antibody (TRab), anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were measured in untreated patients with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease and treated patients with methimazole for 2 years, using peripheral blood. In untreated patients, all 3 parameters elevated above normal. Three parameters decreased 2 years after methimazole treatment, but the magnitude of decrease was more in T3-suppressible patients than in T3-unsuppressible patients. However, both anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were significantly more in T3-suppressible patients than in normal subjects. It is suggested that immunologic abnormalities should largely be improved before remission of Graves' disease can be obtained.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • DNA / immunology
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Graves Disease / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Hyperthyroidism / etiology
  • Hyperthyroidism / immunology
  • Male
  • Methimazole / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Thyroid Hormone / drug effects
  • Receptors, Thyroid Hormone / metabolism
  • Thyrotropin / metabolism
  • Triiodothyronine / blood

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Receptors, Thyroid Hormone
  • Triiodothyronine
  • Methimazole
  • Thyrotropin
  • DNA