Immunofluorescence localization of thyroglobulin autoantibody producing cells in various organs of obese strain (OS) chickens.

All major lymphoid organs from animals of the Obese strain (OS) of chickens which develop a spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis with circulating thyroglobulin autoantibodies (Tg-AAb) were investigated for Tg-AAb producing cells using the immunofluorescence method (IF). No Tg-binding cells could be detected in spleen, bursa. Harderian glands, thymus, coecal tonsils or bone marrow. The infiltrated thyroid gland was shown to be the only site of Tg-AAb production detectable by IF.