[Xenotransplantation of islets of Langerhans: a possible therapy for diabetes mellitus?].
The current therapy of insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus is based on the lifelong application of exogenous insulin. Since the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islets is considered to be responsible for disease development, the transplantation of healthy islets could turn out to be the curative therapy of the disease. Unfortunately, numerous problems seem to be associated with the transplantation of islets of human origin. Therefore, xenotransplantation (the transplantation of organs/tissues of animal origin) could turn out to be an effective alternative treatment protocol. Some human trials have already been performed. In this brief review the author attempts to make a synopsis of the present perspectives and problems of islet xenotransplantation.
Igaz
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Medizinische Klinik II für Innere Medizin, Semmelweis-Universität, Szentkirályi str. 46, H-1088 Budapest, Ungarn. igapet@bel2.sote.hu
D000818:Animals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000379:methods*; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous