A re-examination of islet cell cytoplasmic antibodies in diabetic dogs

Serum samples were obtained from 48 dogs with recently diagnosed untreated diabetes mellitus. Serums were tested for cytoplasmic autoantibodies to normal canine pancreatic islet antigens by indirect immunofluorescence, peroxidase-anti-peroxidase, and avidin-biotin complex, immunohistochemistry. Autoantibodies were not detectable in any of the samples. Serums were also examined from 20 diabetic dogs maintained on exogenous insulin therapy for periods of one month to five years. Positive reactions were seen in 11 dogs. These positive responses were completely absorbed by preincubation of serums with commercial insulin preparations or with purified pork or beef insulin. Newly diagnosed diabetic dogs do not have readily detectable autoantibodies to islet cytoplasmic antigens. Our previous report (Haines and Penhale, 1985) of islet antibody in diabetic dogs with unknown clinical histories was likely demonstrating antibody to insulin in patients treated with exogenous insulin. Antibodies to insulin were detected in approximately half of the insulin treated dogs tested. These antibodies were induced by commercial beef and pork insulin preparations and were found to be broadly cross-reactive recognizing epitopes on canine, bovine and porcine insulins.