title: Macroencapsulated Pig Islets Correct Induced Diabetes in Primates up to 6 Months.
abstract: A bioartificial pancreas, in which islets of Langerhans are encapsulated within a semipermeable membrane, may be an alternative therapeutic device for diabetic patients. It may constitute another safe and simple method of transplanting islets without the need for immunosuppressive therapy. Since the semipermeable membrane protects the islets from the host immune system, the islets are likely to survive and release insulin for a long period of time, thereby controlling glucose metabolism in the absence of immunosuppressive medication. Recent data using macroencapsulation of pig islets in primate seems encouraging. In fact, a "mono/bilayer" configuration of macroencapsulated pig islets implanted subcutaneously has been found to significantly improve diabetes control in primates for 6 months without any immunosuppression.
authors: Université catholique de Louvain, SSS/IREC/CHEX, Avenue Hippocrate 55, Bte B1.55.04, 1200, Brussels, Belgium, pierre.gianello@uclouvain.be.
authors: Pierre
authors: P
authors: Gianello
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006085:Graft Survival; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000379:methods*; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010539:Permeability; D012867:Skin; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D020723:Glucuronic Acid