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Horm Metab Res 1988; 20(4): 235-238
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1010801
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Improvement of Immunologic Abnormalities Associated with Hyperthyroidism of Graves' Disease during Methimazole Treatment

M. Murakami1 , Y. Koizumi1 , T. Aizawa1 , T. Yamada1 , M. Ishihara1 , Y. Hasegawa2 , H. Ogata2 , K. Kamoi3 , K. Kaneko3
  • 1Department of Gerontology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
  • 2Hematology Center, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
  • 3Department of Medicine, Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital, Nagoaka, Japan
Supported by A Grant from Japan Educational Ministry.
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Publication History

1986

1987

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

In an attempt to study the effects of methimazole treatment on immunologic abnormality of hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease, TSH receptor antibody (TRab), anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were measured in untreated patients with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease and treated patients with methimazole for 2 years, using peripheral blood. In untreated patients, all 3 parameters elevated above normal. Three parameters decreased 2 years after methimazole treatment, but the magnitude of decrease was more in T3-suppressible patients than in T3-unsuppressible patients. However, both anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were significantly more in T3-suppressible patients than in normal subjects.

It is suggested that immunologic abnormalities should largely be improved before remission of Graves' disease can be obtained.

Key-Words

Hyperthyroidism - TRab - Anti-DNA Antibody - HLA-DR