Definition of Antibody

• An antibody is a protein molecule which is produced in blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are stimulated to produce antibodies when foreign substances, called antigens, are present. Each antibody is only active against one kind of antigen. It will combine with the antigen, forming a complex to render the antigen inactive. Sometimes the body will create antibodies against its own body organs. One such antibody is the anti-thyroglobulin antibody.
  
  

Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody

• Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are likely to occur after the thyroid gland has been injured or after it becomes inflamed. When the antibodies are present they can lead to destruction of the thyroid gland. Thyroglobulin is produced only in the thyroid gland epithelial cells. Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine, which is present in thyroglobulin to produce two thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are necessary in for almost all metabolic activity in the body.
  
  

Thyroid Disease

• A positive test for anti-thyroglobulin antibodies may be found due to a number of conditions. Most commonly the condition is due to primary thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, Grave's disease, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema or thyroid cancer. They can also be increased due to other diseases such as diabetes or systemic lupus erythematosus. Pregnancy can also lead to anti-thyroglobulin antibodies being present in the blood. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can also be present in apparently healthy people. It is difficult to predict if healthy people with positive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies will develop thyroid disease.
  
  

Infertility

• Anti-thyroglobulin antibody has also been linked to a woman's ability to conceive. Women with high levels of anti-thyroglobulin antibody who are trying to become pregnant can miscarry or be infertile. Anti-thyroglobulin antibody can interfere with implantation of the embryo in the uterus. The reason why this occurs is currently unclear but may be related to autoimmune disease genes.
  
  

Thyroid Cancer

• Anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels are closely monitored in cases of thyroid cancer. The antibody levels are frequently checked after surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid gland. The levels are also monitored after treatment with radioactive iodine. This treatment is also performed in cases of overactive thyroid gland.