IL-1beta expression in islet cells of the NOD mouse and its spatial relationship to beta cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

The expression of IL-1beta in the NOD mouse pancreas was examined following disease acceleration with cyclophosphamide (Cy). Female NOD mice were injected with Cy at day 95 and the pancreas examined immunohistochemically at days 0, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Cy group). Cyclophosphamide was also administered to NOD mice that were given oral nicotinamide from day 21. At day 0 (Cy group), IL-1beta was expressed in selective intraislet macrophages but showed an increase from day 7 onwards in macrophages, a few beta cells, and somatostatin cells. Peak expression was seen at day 11, when it was significantly higher than in day-11 mice given nicotinamide. In the Cy group a proportion of macrophages coexpressed IL-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). IL-1beta expressed within the islet macrophages may act in concert with other cytokines, promote free radical generation including NO, and promote beta cell death during IDDM.