In vitro characterization of synthesized thyroglobulin immune complexes (IC). A model for studies of IC containing an autoantigen.

Human thyroglobulin (Tg) immune complexes (TgIC) were preformed at different ratios from purified Tg, and Tg antibodies (TgAb) obtained from six patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases. TgIC were characterized by precipitation with polyethylene glycol, and sedimentation in sucrose gradient. TgIC from one patient were further characterized by concanavalin A (con A), and binding to the complement factor Clq and rheumatoid factor (RF).