The Expression Of HLA-DR Antigen In GD And The Role Of Methimazole On It

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the expression of human leucocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the serum levels of IL-1β,TNF-α FT3,FT4,TGAb and TPOAb in those of Graves' disease(GD) before treatment and under treatment with MMI , compared to normal controls. Furthermore to estimate the action of HLA-DR in GD immune imbalance occurring and developing as well as the influence of MMI on GD immunity and its mechanism.Methods: SP immunocytochemistry,radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescence manner were used respectively to detect the expression of HLA-DR,the serum levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,FT3,FT4,TGAb and TPOAb in peripheral blood from 40 patients of GD and 25 controls.Results: (1) The expression degree of HLA-DR in GD was significantly greater than that in the normal controls, P<0.05, and decreased after treatment with MMI for 12 weeks, but it was still higher than that in the controls, P<0.05. (2) The serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α,FT3 and FT4 in GD before treatment were higher than those in normal controls and decreased obviously after treatment, P<0.01, and there was a close positive correlation between the serum levels of TNF-αand the expression degree of HLA-DR . Conclusion: (1) The aberrant expression of HLA-DR on PBMC of GD may be a manifestation of GD immune imbalance. (2) MMI can inhibit the expression of HLA-DR on PBMC independent of IL-1β,FT3,FT4,TGAb and TPOAb. (3) Cytokine TNF-αmay have an important effect on the expression of HLA-DR.