[Various indicators of the B-system of immunity in endemic goiter].

Blood serum immunoglobulins (Ig) and the circulating antibodies against thyroglobulin, which are known to characterize the state of the immunity B-system, were investigated in 167 patients with endemic goiter and in 80 healthy persons. A significant elevation in the IgM, IgG, and antithyroglobulin antibody levels was observed in patients with hyperthyroid goiter. An increase in the antibody titre to thyroglobulin and in the IgG level was found in euthyroid goiter cases. The extent of functional activity of the thyroid gland and the presence of ophthalmopathy influenced the incidence and the level of the serum Ig elevation and of the antithyroglobulin antibodies increase.