Safety and viability of microencapsulated human islets transplanted into diabetic humans.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Transplantation of insulin-producing cells placed inside microcapsules is being trialled to overcome the need for immunosuppressive therapy.

Research design and methods

Four type 1 diabetic patients with no detectable C-peptide received an intraperitoneal infusion of islets inside microcapsules of barium alginate (mean 178,200 islet equivalents on each of eight occasions).

Results

C-peptide was detected on day 1 post-transplantation, and blood glucose levels and insulin requirements decreased. C-peptide was undetectable by 1-4 weeks. In a multi-islet recipient, C-peptide was detected at 6 weeks after the third infusion and remains detectable at 2.5 years. Neither insulin requirements nor glycemic control was affected. Capsules recovered at 16 months were sur

SUBMITTER: Tuch BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2752920 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature