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Methods to Assess Beta Cell Death Mediated by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 16, 2011
Type I diabetes of man and the BB rat: monoclonal antibody-defined T-cell abnormalities
Both patients and BB rats with type I diabetes mellitus have demonstrated major T-cell abnormalities, the appearance of which precede the development of overt hyperglycemia. The BB rat experiences a profound T lymphocytopenia which appears to be a necessary antecedent but is not totally sufficient in itself for the development of diabetes. Meanwhile, patients exhibit an elevated percentage of circulating T cells bearing the Ia or Dr antigen. Daily prednisone administration selectively decreases Ia+ T cells, and antithymocyte globulin (ATGAM) plus prednisone has a long-lasting effect in suppressing OKT4+ T cells in patients with recent-onset type I diabetes.
Both patients and BB rats with type I diabetes mellitus have demonstrated major T-cell abnormalities, the appearance of which precede the development of overt hyperglycemia. The BB rat experiences a profound T lymphocytopenia which appears to be a necessary antecedent but is not totally sufficient in itself for the development of diabetes. Meanwhile, patients exhibit an elevated percentage of circulating T cells bearing the Ia or Dr antigen. Daily prednisone administration selectively decreases Ia+ T cells, and antithymocyte globulin (ATGAM) plus prednisone has a long-lasting effect in suppressing OKT4+ T cells in patients with recent-onset type I diabetes.
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