Prolonged function of canine pancreatic fragments autotransplanted to the spleen by venous reflux.
The long-term viability and function of pancreatic islets transplanted as nonvascularized dispersed grafts has not been well established. We report maintenance of nondiabetic carbohydrate metabolism for up to 36 months (17.8 +/- 1.4 months) in 77% of 40 consecutive canine recipients of nonpurified islet grafts transplanted to the spleen by venous reflux. Spontaneous loss of graft function occurred in 9 dogs during the follow-up period. Failure usually occurred within 1 year of implantation and was predicted by low K value and low insulin output on intravenous glucose tolerance tests 1 and 3 months postimplant. High K values and insulin output correlated strongly with maintenance of function beyond 24 months. A sufficient mass of implanted islets can provide satisfactory metabolic control for prolonged periods.
Kneteman
N M
NM
Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Warnock
G L
GL
Evans
M G
MG
Nason
R W
RW
Rajotte
R V
RV
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002404:Catheterization; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D004285:Dogs; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000502:physiology; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D013154:Spleen; D013162:Splenic Vein; D016042:Transplantation, Heterotopic / Q000379:methods / Q000502:physiology*
D001786:Blood Glucose