TSH receptor protein is selectively expressed in normal human extraocular muscle.
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is a common manifestation of Graves' disease. Its pathophysiology is not well understood but an antigen shared between the thyroid and orbit is thought to play a role. Using immunohistochemistry, we have demonstrated the presence of the autoantigenic target of Graves' disease, the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, in normal human extraocular muscle. These results support previous findings of the full length and splice variant thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor cDNA in extraocular muscle. The observation of the autoimmune target--the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor protein--being shared between the thyroid and extraocular muscle lends greater support to the notion that an extraocular muscle thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor is also a likely target autoantigen in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
Kloprogge
Steven J
SJ
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
Busuttil
Bridget E
BE
Frauman
Albert G
AG
D000906:Antibodies; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000378:metabolism; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000378:metabolism
D000906:Antibodies; D001324:Autoantigens; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin