Effect of pancreatic islets on splenic hepatocellular transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether Langerhans' islets exert a beneficial effect on splenic hepatocellular transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
the addition of pancreatic islets to hepatocytes would improve their normal function through the support of insulin and glucagon in the same proportions as they usually receive in the hepatic environment.


METHODS
Potential improvement in the hepatocellular function to be evaluated by means of regenerative activity recorded after applying a specific stimulus (partial hepatectomy and/or cyclosporine A).


METHODS
An immunohistochemical technique (antinuslin antibodies) was used to confirm the presence of active islets of Langerhans in the spleen. Microcytophotometry was used to quantify hepatocyte regeneration.


RESULTS
Although demonstrating the presence of active (insulin-positive) islets together with hepatocytes in the spleen was feasible, the expected positive influence on the regenerative activity of hepatocytes was impossible to prove.


CONCLUSIONS
Further study is needed to reach definitive conclusions about the real usefulness of pancreatic islets in hepatocyte transplantation.
Conty
J L
JL
Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, University of The Basque Country.
García-Alonso
I
I
Portugal
V
V
Alonso
A
A
Castro
B
B
Méndez
J
J
D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D005260:Female; D007515:Islets of Langerhans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats; D012038:Regeneration; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology*