title: Optimal implantation site for pancreatic islet transplantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since the first report of successful pancreatic islet transplantation to reverse hyperglycaemia in diabetic rodents, there has been great interest in determining the optimal site for implantation. Although the portal vein remains the most frequently used site clinically, it is not ideal. About half of the islets introduced into the liver die during or shortly after transplantation. Although many patients achieve insulin independence after portal vein infusion of islets, in the long term most resume insulin injections.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review considers possible sites and techniques of islet transplantation in small and large animal models, and in humans. Metabolic, immunological and technical aspects are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many groups have sought an alternative site that might offer improved engraftment and long-term survival, together with reduced procedure-related complications. The spleen, pancreas, kidney capsule, peritoneum and omental pouch have been explored. The advantages and disadvantages of various sites are discussed in order to define the most suitable for clinical use and to direct future research.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Medical Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Merani
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Toso
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Emamaullee
authors.forename: A M J
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000601:surgery; D001921:Brain / Q000601:surgery; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D010179:Pancreas / Q000601:surgery; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000601:surgery; D013154:Spleen / Q000601:surgery; D013737:Testis / Q000601:surgery; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000601:surgery