Table 2.

Proposed pathogenic mechanisms of Tg for Graves’ ophthalmopathy

1. Thyroglobulin antibodies bind to native thyroglobulin which is attached to the orbital fibroblasts. Subsequently the production of thyroglobulin/anti-thyroglobulin immune complexes stimulate the fibroblast, contributing to the orbital inflammation.

2. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes directed against the extra ocular muscle fiber are also likely to be involved, but specific targets and effects of the reactions are not understood