[Expression of thyrotropin receptor gene in autoimmune thyroid disease and the relation to expression of HLA genes].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of TSH receptor in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and the relation to expression of HLA I and II genes.

METHODS

The TSH receptor transcript levels were examined in 10 human thyroid fragments by Northern blot analysis. Graves' disease 7, Hashimoto's disease 2, and 1 healthy thyroid gland.

RESULTS

TSH receptor transcript levels were higher in Graves' disease than in Hashimoto's disease and healthy control.

CONCLUSION

TSH receptor expression was inversely related to HLA I and II expression and lymphocyte infiltration.