Analysis of peri-islet CD45-positive leucocytic infiltrates in long-standing type 1 diabetic patients.

Aims/hypothesis: The role of peri-islet CD45-positive leucocytes, as one component of insulitis, in beta cell death during human type 1 diabetes remains unclear. We undertook a case study, comparing and quantifying leucocytes in the peri- and intra-islet areas in insulin-positive and -negative islets, to assess whether peri-islet leucocytes are pathogenic to beta cells during type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Pancreatic sections from 12 diabetic patients (0.