EFFECT OF THE NUMBER OF ISLETS ON THE OUTCOME AFTER TRANSPLANTATION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

This study tested the hypothesis that normalization of glucose homeost asis after islet transplantation is correlated to the number of islets , and by increasing this number a complete normalization of glucose ho meostasis could be achieved. 1,200 or 2,400 islets were transplanted i nto the left kidney subcapsular space in streptozotocin-induced diabet ic rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed at 10 days , 3 and 6 months after transplantation. Transplantation of both 1,200 and 2,400 islets normalized the basal blood glucose levels within 24-4 8 hours, which remained normal for the entire study period of 6 months . Basal plasma insulin levels and body weight were also normalized in both transplanted groups. Transplantation of 2,400 islets achieved nor mal glucose-induced insulin secretion at 10 days after transplantation and for the following 6 months. In contrast, glucose intolerance was present in rats transplanted with only 1,200 islets. It is concluded t hat complete glucose homeostasis after islet transplantation is depend ent on the number of transplanted islets and can be achieved by increa sing this number.