Serum IgA, IgG and IgM levels, spontaneous and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced in vitro IgM production (determined by ELISA) and blastogenic responses of peripheral mononuclear cells to PWM were evaluated in 4 insulin-dependent (IDDM) children, at the onset and after 4, 8, 12 months of disease, and in 32 children and adolescents with IDDM of 1–14 years duration (mean 4.8 ± 3.8 years). Fifteen age-matched healthy subjects served as controls. Serum immunoglobulin levels were normal in 31 (86%) patients. Spontaneous in vitro IgM production showed no significant difference between IDDM patients and controls. The PWM-stimulated lymphocytes from IDDM patients at onset or after 4 months of disease produced significantly lower concentrations of IgM compared to long-standing IDDM patients or to controls. No different blastogenic response to PWM was observed in IDDM patients compared to controls. No correlation was present between the immunological parameters evaluated and metabolic control. Our data suggest that a defect of antibody producing B lymphocytes or an alteration of T cell can occur during the early stages of diabetes.

Keywords:
Immunoglobulins, IgM secretion, Immunoregulation, Diabetes mellitus, insulin-dependent
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.