Proliferation of peripheral lymphoid cells from euthyroid and hyperthyroid individuals cultured with human thyroglobulin.

Peripheral lymphoid cells from euthyroid and hyperthyroid subjects were tested for proliferative responses to human thyroglobulin in vitro using [3H] thymidine incorporation as assay. Non-fractionated lymphoid cells from both groups displayed weak stimulation. Using a rosette technique for separating sub-populations of lymphoid cells it was concluded that T-cells constituted the responding cells. The results indicate that both hyperthyroid and euthyroid subjects possess clones of T-cells which are reactive against human thyroglobulin.