Transplantation of encapsulated allogeneic islets into diabetic BB/W rats. Effects of immunosuppression.
Allogeneic islets obtained from Lewis rats were transplanted into diabetic BB/W rats with or without cyclosporine. In addition, these islets were encapsulated in alginate-poly L-lysine membranes and then transplanted into diabetic BB/W rats with or without immunosuppressive and/or antiinflammatory agents. The agents used were cyclosporine, dexamethasone, indomethacin (Ind), or a combination of these. Our results show that islets alone survived for 7 days, with or without CsA therapy. Encapsulated islets survived for 14.2 days, and this was extended by CsA, Dex, or CsA + Ind. Loss of encapsulated graft functions was associated with formation of a dense pericapsular infiltrate, which was inhibited by CsA, Dex, CsA + Ind, or CsA + Dex. In addition, the infiltrate was reduced in animals that had diabetes for long periods of time (greater than 5 months versus less than 1 month). Empty capsules also provoked this cellular response. Thus, encapsulation of islets resulted in slightly prolonged islet survival, which was further enhanced by immunosuppression.
Mazaheri
R
R
University of Western Ontario, Robarts Research Institute, Ontario, Canada.
Atkison
P
P
Stiller
C
C
Dupré
J
J
Vose
J
J
O'Shea
G
G
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003524:Cyclosporins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents