[Treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes: new therapeutics. Cellular replacement: facts and perspectives].
The replacement of insulin producing beta cells by islet transplantation can effectively control blood glucose levels in individuals with Type I diabetes. Recent improvements in clinical results were made possible by transplantation of greater islet masses and introduction of new immunosuppressive protocols, which avoid diabetogenicity. Future, widespread clinical application of islet transplantation will depend on the availability of an unlimited source of glucose sensitive, insulin-secreting tissue and less toxic immunosuppressors.
Oberholzer
José
J
Walter C. Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada. joseoberholzer@earthlink.net
D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D019397:Pancreas, Artificial
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin