The leucocyte migration inhibition test and subpopulations of peripheral lymphocytes in insulin-dependent diabetics.

Abstract

The leucocyte migration inhibition test (LMT) was performed by the agarose plate method with thyroid and pancreatic antigens in patients with insulin-dependent or independent diabetes mellitus. The mean migration indices with thyroglobulin, thyroid mitochondria and beef insulin were not significantly different in insulin-dependent diabetics from those in insulin-independent diabetics or normal controls. However, significant inhibition of leucocyte migration was observed in insulin-dependent diabetics when thyroid microsome or pancreatic extract was used as antigen. Although no significant difference was found in the percentages of T and B lymphocytes between insulin-dependent diabetics and insulin-independent diabetics or normal controls, the results of LMT strongly suggest the presence of cellular immunity against the thyroid and pancreas in insulin-dependent juvenile-onset diabetes.