lnduction of Diabetes by Polyl

C and Anti-RT6.1 Antibody Treatment in DR-BB Rats

Abstract

To determine whether environmental factors could affect the incidence of diabetes in RT6.1 ⁺ lymphocytes-depleted diabetes resistant (DR) BB rats, we tested polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I: C), as an immune activator, in conjunction with anti-RT6.1 antibody in DR-BB rats which were bred in a specific pathogen free (SPF) condition. Diabetes was induced by the combined administration of poly I: C and anti-RT6.1 antibody. The use of poly I: C or anti-RT6.1 antibody alone did not cause diabetes. These results suggest that RT6.1 ⁺ T lymphocytes regulate autoimmune diabetes and that non-specific immune activation caused by environmental factors plays a key role in inducing diabetes in DR-BB rats.