Transplantation · 1996 · 35 citations · 5 references
MedicineEndocrinologySurgeryCell TherapyTransplant ImmunologyTransplant SurgeryDiabetes MellitusGraft SurvivalPancreas TransplantationPancreatic EndocrinologyPancreatic HormonesXenotransplantationIslet Cell PhysiologyIslet XenotransplantationPancreas Graft FunctionPancreatic Islet BiologyPancreatic Islet Cell TransplantationPancreatic Islet EngraftmentPancreatic Islet PhysiologyXenogeneic Rejection
Long-term function of isolated porcine islets was investigated in diabetic nude mice. Seven of eight mice that received transplants of porcine islets remained normoglycemic for 1 year with progressive weight gain. Circulating porcine C-peptide was detected throughout the study period. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests showed a rapid glucose clearance rate. Together with our recent finding that porcine islets contained within an immunoexclusion device achieved glycemic control in a totally pancreatectomized dog, these results clearly demonstrate that isolated porcine islets are capable of functioning for prolonged periods in xenogeneic hosts and are suitable for long-term use in an immunoexclusion device in a discordant host.
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