Ak. Foulis, THE PATHOLOGY OF THE ENDOCRINE PANCREAS IN TYPE-1 (INSULIN-DEPENDENT)DIABETES-MELLITUS, APMIS. Acta pathologica, microbiologica et immunologica Scandinavica, 104(3), 1996, pp. 161-167
Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disease in which the i
nsulin-secreting B cell is destroyed. Both genetic factors (linked to
class II MHC genes) and environmental agents (viruses, diet) appear to
be involved in the aetiology. Study of autopsy pancreases of children
who die at presentation of their disease has proved elucidating. In s
uch pancreases islets before, during and after B cell destruction, are
all visible. The earliest defined immunological event in the disease
process appears to be expression of interferon-alpha by insulin-contai
ning B cells. Secretion of this cytokine is associated with hyperexpre
ssion of class I MHC by all the endocrine cells within insulin-contain
ing islets. Another immunological phenomenon which is unique to type I
diabetes is the presence of aberrant class II MHC molecule expression
by B cells. This may induce autoimmunity by allowing antigen presenta
tion of B cell specific antigens. If the onset of the disease process
is marked by interferon-alpha expression by B cells then a search for
the presence of a continuing viral infection in these cells may prove
profitable, although no viruses have been found in them to date.