title: A specific plaque-forming cell assay for human thyroglobulin antibody-secreting immunocytes.
abstract: As the initial step in the investigation of thyroid autoantibody-secreting immunocytes, we have identified such cells in vitro by the use of plaque-forming cell assays dependent on the lysis of antigen-coated sheep red blood cells. Human thyroglobulin antibody-secreting peripheral mononuclear cells were detected in six of seven patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but not in normal control subjects. Our data indicated that 0.06-1.7% of immunoglobulin-secreting cells have the potential for human thyroglobulin antibody secretion in such patients and validated the specific plaque-forming cell technique for the investigation of thyroid autoantibody production.
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013954:Thyroglobulin / Q000276:immunology*; D013966:Thyroiditis / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D013954:Thyroglobulin