Premium
Islet cell function in long‐term surviving primates after segmental pancreatic allotransplantation
Author(s) -
Du Toit Don F.,
Heydenrych Jacobus,
Smit Ben,
Merwe Emuel Van Der,
Louw Gabriel,
Zuurmond Theuns,
Els Daniel,
Weideman Andre,
Toit Lorraine Du,
WolfeCoote Sonja,
Davids Henry
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930380116
Subject(s) - medicine , islet , allotransplantation , transplantation , pancreas transplantation , immunosuppression , endocrinology , atrophy , tolbutamide , pancreas , pancreatectomy , islet cell transplantation , glucagon , insulin , kidney transplantation
Islet cell function was studied in pancreatectomized primates with functioning segmental pancreatic allografts more than 100 days after transplantation. Segmental allograft recipients were immunosuppresed with total lymphoid irradiation (TL1) and cyclosporine (CSA). After 100 days, islet function was assessed, at which stage immunosuppression was terminated. Glucose, insulin, glucagon, and C‐peptide response was assessed during intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and during arginine and tolbutamide stimulation. In eight normoglycaemic primates in which immunosuppressive treatment had been stopped and with mean graft survival of 145 days, islet stimulation was associated with moderate glucose intolerance, reduced K‐values, hypoinsulinaemia, and low C‐peptide values. Postmortem findings in all animals intentionally killed revealed severe graft atrophy in the absence of significant rejection. Severe graft atrophy in normoglycaemic primates, together with significantly impaired graft function after segmental pancreatic transplantation compared to normal animals, suggest that transplantation of the whole pancreas may be mandatory if normal or near‐normal function is to be achieved.