Reduction in insulitis following administration of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the NOD mouse

Abstract

In insulin dependent diabetes mellitis (IDDM) beta cell destruction is associated with infiltration of the pancreatic islets by T lymphocytes and macrophages. Cytokine products from the infiltrating immunocytes not only have powerful immunoregulatory actions but also are capable of impairing islet cell functions and have thus been postulated to assume a central role in mediating anti-beta cell immunity and beta cell destruction. In an effort to explore further the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of IDDM, we examined clinical, metabolic and pathological features of NOD/Wehi mice injected intraperitoneally with multiple doses of IFN-γ and/or TNF-α. Blood glucose profiles were not signifi..