The Glycogen Content of Leukocytes from Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Subjects

Abstract

The glycogen content of leukocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic subjects was determined on cells obtained by sedimentation of the blood with dextran. The influence of the experimental condition was investigated; it was found that a highly standardized technique is necessary to obtain reproducible results. The glycogen content of leukocytes from 25 non-diabetic fasting and resting subjects averaged 148 mg (S.E. 9 mg). per 1010 myeloid leukocytes. The leukocytes of 14 diabetic patients without insulin and in a poorly controlled diabetic state showed a significantly lower glycogen content (111 mg (S.E. 10 mg)) per 1010 myeloid leukocytes, which returned to normal after treatment.