TRANSPLANTATION OF CRYOPRESERVED PANCREATIC-ISLETS INTO THE PORTAL-VEIN

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (2) , 1503-1507
Abstract
Pancreatic islet cells of rats obtained by the collagenase digestion method were preserved from 7-10 days at -80.degree. C in a deep freezer or at -196.degree. C in liquid N2 with Dulbecco modified Eagle''s medium, supplemented with 10 or 20% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide); thawing was performed in a 37.degree. C H2O bath. Cryopreserved islets were morphologically almost intact, and possessed .apprx. 50% of the insulin secretion activity of the control groups. About 300 pancreatic islets preserved at -196.degree. C with 20% DMSO were transplanted into the portal veins of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats recovered from the diabetic state and the normalized condition was maintained up to 20 wk, although 4 wk were needed before blood and urine glucose reached normal levels after transplantation. Intact .beta. cells were found in the transplanted islet cell masses in the liver of the recipients, but .beta. cells of the recipient''s pancreases (streptozotocin-treated rats) showed a marked decrease, as well as degenerative changes.