Re: antibody question -- Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You're correct on all counts.

TSI cause hyperthyroidism in GD and contribute to GO so a low level indicates

remission.

But both blocking and stimulating TSH receptor antibodies (stimulating ones

are TSI) contribute to TED. And the blocking ones contribute to hypoT, causing

overt hypoT if they're predominant.

Both blocking and stimulating TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) bind to the TSH

receptor. There are also a class of binding TRAb that bind to other locations

on the TSH receptor, neither stimulating or blocking but getting in the way of

things.

All of these 3 antibodies are measured in the test for TBII.

About 90% of people with GD have TPO antibodies according to the most recent

studies. TPO antibodies are also seen in nearly everyone with Hashimoto's

thryoiditis (HT). In HT, the TPO concentrations are ususally much higher than

what's seen in GD. For your purposes, they would just show that you still have

an

autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Having the TSI and TBII is a good way to tell if you have stimulating and/or

blocking TRAb. Alternately, you could have separate tests for TSI and blocking

TRAb; or you could have a total TRAb test--some of these quantitate

stimulating and blocking antibodies separately, but many procedures just give a

total

level. A high level would confirm GD and it would confirm active TED. Take

care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Great. If I understand you correctly, although I didn't ask for the TRAb

blocking test (TBAb/TSBAb), whether binding or blocking Abs are present can

be inferred by getting TSI and TBII (if the TSI is absent but the TBII is

positive or >10%, then binding and/or blocking antibodies are present). So

TSI and TBII should be sufficient (along with TPO-Ab, since I tested

positive). Thank you, Elaine.

At 11:01 PM 9/8/2003, you wrote:

>Hi ,

>You're correct on all counts.

>TSI cause hyperthyroidism in GD and contribute to GO so a low level indicates

>remission.

>But both blocking and stimulating TSH receptor antibodies (stimulating ones

>are TSI) contribute to TED. And the blocking ones contribute to hypoT,

>causing

>overt hypoT if they're predominant.

>Both blocking and stimulating TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) bind to the TSH

>receptor. There are also a class of binding TRAb that bind to other locations

>on the TSH receptor, neither stimulating or blocking but getting in the

>way of

>things.

>All of these 3 antibodies are measured in the test for TBII.

>

>About 90% of people with GD have TPO antibodies according to the most recent

>studies. TPO antibodies are also seen in nearly everyone with Hashimoto's

>thryoiditis (HT). In HT, the TPO concentrations are ususally much higher than

>what's seen in GD. For your purposes, they would just show that you still

>have an

>autoimmune thyroid disorder.

>Having the TSI and TBII is a good way to tell if you have stimulating and/or

>blocking TRAb. Alternately, you could have separate tests for TSI and

>blocking

>TRAb; or you could have a total TRAb test--some of these quantitate

>stimulating and blocking antibodies separately, but many procedures just

>give a total

>level. A high level would confirm GD and it would confirm active TED. Take

>care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You are absolutely right with this. Hope your doctor understands this half as

well as you do, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Ha! Sadly, he doesn't hold much stock in antibody testing, and wouldn't

suggest it (I get it thru the GP). And yesterday, he wanted to increase my

PTU dose based on somewhat low TSH (.48), with an FT4 of 1.0. Ugh. (I'm not

increasing it.) But thanks to you and the group, I think I'll be all right.

I appreciate your encouragement as well.

Regards,

At 11:32 AM 9/9/2003, you wrote:

>Hi ,

>You are absolutely right with this. Hope your doctor understands this half as

>well as you do, Elaine