A follow-up study of cell-mediated cytotoxicity and beta cell function in type I diabetes.

In 20 patients with a newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus a cytotoxic effect of blood lymphocytes against beta cells of the pancreas of neonatal rats could be demonstrated. This effect remained nearly unchanged during the first 12 months of control. During the course up to 18 months, the cytotoxicity decreased significantly. After stimulation with glucose and glucagon, a C-peptide secretion was demonstrated in all patients during the first 12 months but it decreased thereafter. The follow-up study showed cell-mediated immune reactions against beta cells in type I diabetics as long as the existence of beta cells can be assumed on the basis of functional tests. Thus the immune process seems to depend on the presence of the specific antigen.