Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
Produced by: Lymphocytes (white blood cells). Purpose: See below. Definition: Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) are produced by white blood cells that come in contact and circulate within the thyroid gland causing an abnormal autoimmune reaction. They are immune proteins produced that are targeted to destroy Thyroglobulin (Tg). Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced by the thyroid gland and used entirely within the thyroid gland. The protein is a precursor to T4 and T3. Lab Reference Range: < or = 1 IU/mL When to order:
Thyroglobulin (Tg) and Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb) are two different things. The former is an protein normally produced by the thyroid gland. The latter is an autoantibody produced by local white blood cells causing an abnormal autoimmune reaction that slowly destroys Thyroglobulin through an inflammatory process. Half-life: Approximately 70 days. Causes of elevated TgAb are Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Graves ’ Disease, and thyroid cancer. TgAb levels can be used to assess the degree of disease activity. The higher the number the more active the disease. It can also be used to monitor the reoccurrence of thyroid cancer. TgAb cause damage to the Thyroglobulin through complement activation and antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity. Webinar Jam Session on how to treat Hashimoto's & Grave's |