Antibodies Tested for Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder that affects the body's ability to produce hormones. It is caused by the destruction of the adrenal glands, the glands that produce hormones that help the body respond to stress. Addison's disease is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and a series of blood tests to measure the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal gland. One of the tests used to diagnose Addison's disease is an antibody test.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign organisms, such as bacteria or viruses. In the case of Addison's disease, the body produces antibodies against its own adrenal glands. The antibodies attack the adrenal glands, causing them to become damaged and unable to produce hormones.
The following antibodies are typically tested for Addison's disease: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) antibodies, 21-hydroxylase antibodies, and 17-hydroxylase antibodies. ACTH antibodies are the most common type of antibody found in patients with Addison's disease. They are produced by the immune system in response to the adrenal glands' inability to produce hormones.
21-hydroxylase antibodies are produced when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the enzyme responsible for synthesizing cortisol, one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. 17-hydroxylase antibodies are produced when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the enzyme responsible for synthesizing aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
In addition to these antibodies, other tests may be used to diagnose Addison's disease. These include a physical exam, blood tests to measure hormone levels, and imaging tests to examine the adrenal glands.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment for Addison's disease typically involves hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking medications to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands are unable to produce. With proper treatment, patients with Addison's disease can often lead normal, healthy lives.