Immune Complexes in Diabetes Mellitus

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Abstract
Sera from 86 well-controlled diabetics were examined for the presence of immune complexes. Patients were receiving standard insulins (36), monocomponent preparations (19), oral hypoglycemic agents (24), and dietary restriction alone (7). Three methods were used to detect complexes: measurement of complement (C) components, a Clq binding assay (BA) and the Raji [Burkitt''s lymphoma] cell radioimmunoassay (RIA). C components were normal in all patients. Of the group on standard insulins, 11 (31%) had a positive Raji cell RIA; none had an abnormal Clq-BA. One patient on monocomponent therapy had a mildly positive Raji cell RIA; Clq-BA was negative in each patient of this group. Of the patients on oral hypoglycemic agents, 13 (54%) were positive on 1 or both assays while 1 patient on diet alone was abnormal on both assays. Immune complex production is common in insulin-requiring and non-insulin-requiring diabetics. This phenomenon is strikingly less frequent in patients on monocomponent insulins. Such observations could bear relevance to the pathogenesis of microvascular complications in diabetes.