Use of monoclonal antibodies to investigate a possible role of thyroglobulin in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy.

One possible mechanism for Graves' ophthalmopathy is that the progressive orbital inflammation is initiated by formation of thyroglobulin (Tg)-anti-Tg immune complexes at sites of Tg binding to extraocular muscle membranes. In this study monoclonal antibodies (MCAB) against human Tg were used as probes (1) to identify Tg in eye muscle membranes prepared from normal subjects and (2) to measure binding of human Tg and Tg-anti-Tg immune complexes to eye muscle membranes. Reactivity of anti-Tg MCAB with Tg, thyroid, and eye muscle membranes was determined by binding of [125I]anti-Tg monoclonal antibody, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the indirect immunofluorescence technique.

Demonstration of a circulating autoantibody against a soluble eye-muscle antigen in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against antigens in human eye muscle, orbital connective tissue, and lacrimal tissue and guineapig harderian gland have been produced by means of the hybridisation technique. From 14 fusions, over 30 antibodies have been produced, of which 24 have been maintained and characterised for the present studies. All were IgG1.