Engraftment of Insulin-Producing Cells from Porcine Islets in Non-Immune-Suppressed Rats or Nonhuman Primates
Author Information
Author(s): Marc R. Hammerman
Primary Institution: George M. O'Brien Center for Kidney Disease Research, The Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can insulin-producing cells from porcine islets engraft in non-immune-suppressed hosts previously transplanted with embryonic pig pancreas?
Conclusion
Insulin-producing cells from porcine islets can successfully engraft in non-immune-suppressed rats and macaques that have previously received embryonic pig pancreas transplants.
Supporting Evidence
- Porcine insulin circulates in STZ-diabetic rats after transplantation of E28 pig pancreatic primordia.
- Cells with beta cell morphology expressing insulin engraft in host mesentery and other organs.
- Glucose tolerance can be normalized in diabetic rats following transplantation of pig pancreatic primordia.
Takeaway
Scientists found that pig cells can help diabetic rats and monkeys make insulin without needing medicine to suppress their immune systems.
Methodology
The study involved transplanting embryonic pig pancreatic primordia into diabetic rats and macaques, followed by implantation of adult porcine islets to assess engraftment and insulin production.
Limitations
The study does not address the long-term viability of the engrafted cells or the potential complications of using porcine islets in humans.
Participant Demographics
The study involved STZ-diabetic rats and rhesus macaques.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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