Seroreactivity to A‐type retrovirus proteins in a subset of cats with hyperthyroidism

Abstract

The thyroid gland is afflicted in several endocrine, autoimmune, and malignant diseases. Previous studies detected immunoreactivity against proteins of a human intracisternal A-type retroviral particle type-I (HIAP-I) in serum samples from the majority of patients with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that can also affect other organs, most prominently the eyes. To determine whether hyperthyroid animals might provide a model for the retroviral involvement in thyroid autoimmunity, serum samples from 32 cats (21 hyperthyroid and 11 controls) and 10 hypothyroid dogs were examined for immunoreactivity with HIAP-I using a Western blot technique. Of the 21 hyperthyroid cats 15 (71.4%) were HIAP-I positive, while only 2 of 11 (11.8%) control animals without endocrine pathology were positive. No significant correlations were seen between HIAP seroreactivity and serum thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4), age, gender, treatment history, vaccination status, or weight. No seroreactivity to HIAP-I was detected in hypothyroid dogs. An examination of HIAP-I reactivity in feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-seroconverting cats found that 7/9 (78%) animals viremic for FeLV-A showed an alteration in HIAP serology, whereas only 1/7 (14%) nonviremic animals showed a change in HIAP-I serology. These results suggest that it may be possible to develop an animal (feline) model for the role of retroviruses in thyroid autoimmune diseases.

Graves' Disease Associated with Infectious Mononucleosis due to Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: Report of 3 Cases

“…A link between Yersinia enterocolitica infection and Graves' disease has already been reported (18,19). Recently, several studies have suggested that viral infection caused by enterovirus, influenza B virus, retrovirus or herpesvirus may be involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (6,7,8,20). However, an EBV infection causing infectious mononucleosis has not been reported as a triggering factor of Graves' disease.…”

“…Environmental factors include infection with bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica (4) or viruses. Among the latter, enterovirus, influenza B virus, retrovirus, and herpesvirus have been previously reported (5)(6)(7)(8). However, there have been no reports linking Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with Graves' disease.…”

A Case of Graves' Disease Combined with Hantaan Virus Infection

“…In addition, both genetic and environmental factors are also believed to contribute to the development of GD; however, etiologies and pathogenesis remain unclear (6). Recently, several studies have suggested that viral infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of GD (2-4). Evidence that infection might be related with GD has been shown by epidemiology, serology, and molecular methods.…”

“…Although the etiology and pathogenesis of GD are still not clear, environmental factors including virus infection are suggested to be involved (1). Among these, retrovirus, enterovirus (especially Coxsackie B virus), and influenza B virus were reported with serologic evidence (2-4). However, there has been no report on hantaan virus infection with GD.…”