The effect of partial thyroidectomy for Graves' disease on serum long-acting thyroid stimulator protector (LATS-P).

The effect of partial thyroidectomy on serum LATS-P has been investigated in twenty-one consecutive patients. Before surgery, LATS-P was detectable in seventeen (81%) but 1 year after operation only five (24%) had activity. The activity did not fall immediately after surgery but declined progressively throughout the year. In no patient was an increase in activity demonstrated; nor did LATS-P appear in those patients who did not have activity before operation.