What endocrine gland is involved in the clinical condition know as Myxedema?
Myxedema stemming from both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions, results from the accumulation of increased amounts of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the dermis in both lesional and normal skin. The mechanism that causes myxedema is still not yet understood, although animal model studies suggest that thyroid hormones affect the synthesis and catabolism of mucopolysaccharides and collagen by dermal fibroblasts. The fibroblasts in the orbital and pretibial dermis share antigenic sites that underlie the autoimmune process that causes Grave’s disease. This cross-reaction may contribute to the development of myxedema long after normal levels of thyroid hormones have been restored by treatment.
