RECYCLABLE ISLET ISOGRAFTS - A BIOLOGICAL INSULIN PUMP TO FACILITATE SURGERY IN DIABETIC RATS

A method is described to facilitate extensive abdominal surgery in dia betic rats using temporary renal subcapsular islet isografts. The proc edure is performed in three stages - each separated by 2 wk. After eac h rat is made diabetic (Step 1), an isogenic islet transplant is perfo rmed beneath the left renal capsule (Step 2). Step 3 is the operative procedure, followed by a left nephrectomy. Finally, it is shown how th e islet isograft can be excised from the nephrectomy specimen and ''re cycled'' into another diabetic rat (Step 2). Using this three step pro cess, it is possible to decrease the mortality rate following orthotro pic liver transplantation in diabetic rats from 100% to about 30%. Thi s procedure can also be used to facilitate other extensive surgical pr ocedures in diabetic rats.