DAMAGE TO PORCINE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS AFTER EXPOSURE TO HUMAN BLOOD IN VITRO, OR AFTER INTRAPORTAL TRANSPLANTATION TO CYNOMOLOGUS MONKEYS

Abstract

Exposure of isolated xenogeneic islets of Langerhans to blood, both in vitro and in vivo, resulted in acute islet damage. Complement and platelets seem to have a central role in the reactions described. Strategies to efficiently inhibit these reactions will be crucial for clinical intraportal islet xenotransplantation to be successful.