RELATION OF ISLET CELLS ANTIBODIES AND RESIDUAL FUNCTION OF PANCREAS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES TYPE I

Abstract

Abstract. Islet cells antibodies of a pancreas (ICA) are the sensitive and high–specific serological marker of diabetes type I (IDDM). Serum of 50 children (less than 16 yr.old) and 46 adult patients with IDDM was tested for ICA with indirect immunofluorescence. The control group consisted of 10 children and 40 adults without endocrinologic disorders.Serial cryosections of human pancreas 5 mkm thick were incubated with patients serum for 30 min. After the unbound serum proteins were washed away with phosphate buffered saline (0.01M, pH 7.2) the section was incubated with FITC labeled antiserum against human immunoglobulins. Specific cytoplasmic fluorescence of islet cells was scored as positive test result.No specific staining was found in serum of the control group and specificity of the method was 100%. In adults and children at onset of IDDM ICA were found statistically more frequently than in patients with longstanding disease: 75,6 % v.s. 21,8 % (p <0,05). All ICA–seropositive patients require significantly smaller doseof insulin than seronegative patients independently of disease duration. In children ICA–seropositive patients require 0,056±0,04 U per kg of body weight per day v.s. 0,747±0,08 U/kg/day (p<0,05) in seronegative patients. In adults seropositive patients used 34,8±2,3 U/day v.s. 50,42±2,55 U/day in seronegative patients.Immunofluorescent test for ICA detection could be used in children with recent onset of the disease for confirmation of IDDM. Also, ICA in a patient with IDDM could indirectly indicate the presence of residual function of islet cells. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 41548)

Keywords

• diabetes type i
• autoantibodies
• clinical significance