The NOD mouse as a model of type I diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes has been recognized as an organ-specific autoimmune disease. The NOD mouse showed a marked infiltration of T cells into the pancreatic islets and selectively destroyed B cells. The overt diabetes appeared in 90% of the females. Both T- and B-cell functions were markedly disturbed in the overt diabetes. Athymic NOD mice showed little incidence of insulitis. Some immunomodulators induced the overt diabetes. The NOD mouse has many similarities with diabetic profiles including biochemical, morphological, and immunological features of type 1 diabetes. Mice are familiar studies for genetic and immunological analyses. Therefore, the NOD mouse might be a useful model for elucidating etiopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.