Anti-TSH receptor antibodies

The TSH receptor antibody test is performed to diagnosis of Graves-Basedow disease. This disease contributes to the the development of hyperthyroidism.

TSH receptor antibodies (anti-TSHR)

The TSH receptors are located in the membrane of follicular cells of the of the thyroid gland. They may also be seen in other tissues such as fibroblasts or transformed into fat cells. They respond to thyrotropin (TSH) and stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In disease states, the body antibodies appear against the receptor for TSH (anti-TSHR), which bind to these receptors and cause its excessive activation leading to increased secretion of hormones thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Due to the excess of hormones thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland reduces or completely stops TSH secretion. Anti-TSHR antibody testing is used to diagnose Graves-Basedow disease, which causes hyperthyroidism.