Apoptosis is likely to be the main form of beta-cell death in immune-mediated diabetes mellitus in rodents and possibly in
humans. Clarification of the regulation of beta-cell death could indicate novel sites for therapeutic intervention in Type
I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. We review the molecular effectors and signal transduction of immune-mediated beta-cell
apoptosis.
Keywords Beta cell - apoptosis - interleukin-1 - interferon-γ - nitric oxide - diabetes mellitus.
Received: 18 June 2001 and in revised form: 6 August 2001