Abstract
The lymphoblastic transformation test (LTT) and the leucocyte migration inhibition
test (LMT) induced by thyroglobulin have been assessed in 94 diabetic and 60 control
subjects. In the diabetic population, these tests of cell-mediated-immunity were found
to be present with a very high prevalence (respectively 21 and 39%) in contradistinction
with the normal population (0 and 4%). In the diabetics there was no clear distinction
between age and sex groups.
A primary defect of T lymphocyte function, apparently related to the diabetes, is
postulated to explain these findings.
Key words
Leucocyte Migration Inhibition Test - Lymphoblastic Transformation Test - Autoimmune
thyroiditis
1 Part of this work has been presented in a guest lecture at the Mayo Clinic (June
9, 1972).
