A comparison of the elemental concentrations in tissue thymocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic rats.

ABSTRACT

The elemental concentrations in thymocytes from control and diabetic rats were studied by use of the techniques of cryofixation and X-ray microanalysis to determine whether any changes occur in the diseased state. Decreases in the concentrations of the elements P and K were found in thymocytes from the subcapsular and cortical regions of the gland in thymus tissue taken 4 days after the onset of diabetes. A decrease in the concentration of Mg was also found in thymocytes from the subcapsular region of the gland. These changes suggest that the metabolism of thymocytes in vivo is altered in the diabetic animals.