Autoantibodies to islet cells in diabetes mellitus.

Numerous reports have confirmed the presence of islet cell antibodies in diabetic patients. These are found mostly in newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetic patients and in patients who have autoimmune polyendocrine disorders. Antibodies to beta cells, somatostatin, and glucagon-producing cells have been described as well. All these antibodies give strictly intracytoplasmic staining. It is therefore difficult to understand their role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic damage. The presence of another antibody is thus postulated.