ENDOCRINE ACTION OF THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES

Abstract

Animals immunized with thyroglobulin failed to show the expected metabolic rise and wt. loss with subsequent injns., i.e., they are "refractory." In other words, the antibodies inhibit the physiologic action of thyroid protein. Animals (8 rabbits) immunized with thyroglobulin over a period of 6 mos. or more developed myxedema. This indicates clearly that the antibodies of these animals inhibit in some way the secretion of thyroid hormone or its physiologic activity. These facts suggest that the antiserum treatment of Graves'' disease, long ago attempted but crudely executed, should be re-evaluated.