INTERMITTENT INTRAPERITONEAL IMPLANTATION OF ISLETS IN RAT ISLET TRANSPLANTATION

Two critical issues need to be addressed regarding islet cell transpla ntation: obtaining sufficient supply of cells for implantation, and th e maintenance of the viability of these cells. Our present study has t wo protocols. One is islet cell implantation under the renal capsule, and the other, repeated injection of islet cells into the peritoneal c avity. These two methods were compared in an isogeneic transplant mode l in the rat to determine the more clinically beneficial method. Trans plantation of 2000-2500 islets under the capsule of the kidney resulte d in normalized blood sugar levels for more than 100 days in four of f ive rats with hyperglycemia. However, normalization for the same durat ion by islet cell injection into the peritoneal cavity necessitated re petition of injections in two out of three tested rats. In view of the similarity of the results obtained with these two protocols, intermit tent intraperitoneal implantation of a few cells is preferable, becaus e the need for prolonged cell preservation is avoided.