Non-specific cellular immunity in type I and type II diabetes.

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against human erythrocytes was investigated in 39 type I and 63 type II diabetic patients in comparison to 177 healthy blood donors. The cytotoxic capacity of lymphocytes from diabetics was significantly increased. The highest values were measured in insulin-treated type II diabetics (after secondary failure of a previous sulfonylurea therapy).--It is suggested that in certain cases of type II diabetes an increased unspecific K cell-and/or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity plays a pathogenetic role in the development of the disease. The latter might possibly be directed against insulin receptors.