LYMPHOCYTIC INSULITIS IN A ‘NON-OBESE DIABETIC (NOD)’ STRAIN OF MICE: AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPE INVESTIGATION

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Abstract
Pathohistological changes were investigated in the pancreas of a recently inbred ''non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse'' which becomes diabetic due to severe insulitis which resembles that in human juvenile onset or Type I diabetes. In 4 and 5 wk old mice, pancreatic islets are infiltrated by lymphocytes. This lymphocytic insulitis selectively and progressively destroys the .beta. cells of islets. The diabetic symptoms appear when most of the .beta. cells have been lost. The circulation route and the nature of the infiltrating lymphocytes and the cytological changes in the .beta. and other islet cells were studied by light and EM. Immunohistochemistry for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) added information on the process leading to the disappearance of insulin and the attitude of the islet cells containing other hormones.