Lymphocytic insulitis in a 'non-obese diabetic (NOD)' strain of mice: An immunohistochemical and electron microscope investigation

Abstract

Pathohistological changes were investigated in the pancreas of a recently inbred 'non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse' which becomes diabetic due to severe insulitis which resembles that in human juvenile onset or Type I diabetes. In 4 and 5 week old mice, pancreatic islets are infiltrated by lymphocytes. This lymphocytic insulitis selectively and progressively destroys the B cells of pancreatic islets. The diabetic symptoms appear when most of the B cells have been lost. The circulation route and the nature of the infiltrating lymphocytes, as well as the cytological changes in the B and other islet cells were studied by light and electron microscopy, Immunohistochemistry for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide, has added information on the process leading to the disappearance of insulin and the behavior of the islet cells containing other hormones.