A 24-year-old woman was found to have mild hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. She appears to be in good health otherwise.

In Graves’ disease, the cause of the hyperthyroidism is the production of an antibody that does which of the following?

Activates the pituitary thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor and stimulates TSH release

Activates the thyroid gland TSH receptor and stimulates thyroid hormone synthesis and release

Activates thyroid hormone receptors in peripheral tissues

Binds to thyroid gland thyroglobulin and accelerates its proteolysis and the release of its supply of T₄ and T₃

Binds to thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) and displaces bound T₄ and T₃

Answer Explanation :

The antibodies produced in Graves’ disease activate thyroid gland TSH receptors. Their effects mimic those of TSH. The answer is B.

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