Grave's Disease

Graves' Disease is a type of hyperthyroidism that is due to the production of autoantibodies against the TSH receptor on the follicular epithelial cells. These antibodies mimic the effects of TSH and cause overproduction and release of thyroid hormone. The epithelial cells in this patient no longer surround round follicles of colloid. Instead, these follicles are disappearing and the colloid is becoming depleted. Compare to normal thyroid.