title: Role of maternal immunoglobulins blocking TSH-induced thyroid growth in sporadic forms of congenital hypothyroidism.
abstract: Among 34 mothers of infants with sporadic congenital hypothyroidism detected in the Quebec screening programme, 15 had immunoglobulins blocking thyroid growth induced by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) when tested in the sensitive Feulgen cytochemical bioassay. At the time of delivery all the mothers were clinically and biochemically euthyroid, and in general the growth-blocking immunoglobulins were found in the absence of thyroid antimicrosomal antibodies. 2 mothers, however, had significant titres of antimicrosomal antibodies. They became hypothyroid 1 and 3 years after delivery. 8 of 16 post-partum infant blood samples were positive for immunoglobulins blocking TSH-induced thyroid growth. 4 of 7 positive mothers tested up to 3 years after delivery had become negative, thus indicating a trend for these immunoglobulins to disappear from the maternal circulation. Thus, transplacental passage of maternal immunoglobulins influencing TSH-induced processes of thyroid growth may play a part in the pathogenesis of sporadic congenital hypothyroidism.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: van der Gaag
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Drexhage
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Dussault
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007700:Kinetics; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008861:Microsomes / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D013972:Thyrotropin