A model of the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, i.e. the initial phase of beta-cell destruction, is proposed: in a cascade-like fashion efficient antigen presentation, unbalanced cytokine, secretion and poor beta-cell defence result in beta-cell destruction by toxic free radicals (O
2
– and nitric oxide) produced by the beta cells themselves. This entire process is under polygenetic control.
Key words Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - free radicals - cytokines - beta-cell destruction