Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
08:32
Extraction of Tissue Antigens for Functional Assays
Published on: September 10, 2012
10.6K
Resistance and allergy to recombinant human insulin
M A Ganz1, T Unterman, M Roberts
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
A patient developed insulin resistance and allergy to human insulin, requiring glucocorticoid therapy. This highlights potential immune responses to exogenous human insulin, even with modern treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Animal-derived insulins can cause allergy and antibody-mediated resistance.
- Recombinant human insulins are generally considered less immunogenic.
- Exogenous insulin therapy can elicit immune responses in susceptible individuals.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old man developed persistent systemic allergy and insulin resistance.
- Symptoms emerged after initiating therapy with mixed beef-pork insulin.
- Allergic symptoms and resistance persisted despite switching to recombinant human insulin.
Findings:
- High plasma insulin-binding capacity and specific anti-insulin antibodies confirmed immunologic insulin resistance.
- Glucocorticoid therapy was necessary to manage allergic symptoms and improve glycemic control.
- The patient's condition demonstrated a significant immune response to exogenous human insulin.
Implications:
- Immune responses to exogenous human insulin can still cause significant clinical problems.
- Even with newer human insulin formulations, allergy and resistance remain potential complications.
- Careful monitoring and management strategies are crucial for patients experiencing adverse reactions to insulin therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
1.6K
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
1.6K
01:30Hypersensitivities
7.3K
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
7.3K
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
209
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
209
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
280
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin,...
280
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
1.3K
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
1.3K
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
45
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1...
45