Decreased binding of insulin to erythrocytes in myotonic dystrophy.

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Abstract
Insulin resistance exists in patients with myotoic dystrophy. Using in vitro radioreceptor assay with 125I-labeled insulin, the binding of insulin to erythrocytes was evaluated in patients with myotonic dystrophy. Using in vitro radioreceptor assay with 125I-labeled insulin, the binding of insulin to erythrocytes was evaluated in patients with myotonic dystrophy. There was a decreased binding of insulin to erythrocytes in the patients with myotonic dystrophy. This decrease in binding was the result of a decrease in receptor affinity rather than receptor concentration. There was no evidence that the alteration in insulin receptor affinity was due to hyperinsulinemia. All 7 patients with myotonic dystrophy also had an excessive response of endogenous insulin to a glucose challenge. No circulating antibody to insulin was found. A decrease in affinity of insulin receptors may, in part, cause insulin resistance and a compensatory elevation of the plasma insulin concentration in patients with myotonic dystrophy.