Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins are not influenced by smoking in healthy subjects.

Abstract

In view of the increasing suggestion of an effect of cigarette smoking on thyroid disease and in particular Graves' ophtalmophathy we investigated thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins in relation to smoking habits in healthy subjects. No difference between smokers and non-smokers could be demonstrated, therefore, our study does not support the previously suggested altered immunologic surveillance of the thyroid in cigarette smokers.