Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Using the Nonhuman Primate (Rhesus) Model Predicts That the Portal Vein Is Superior to the Celiac Artery as the Islet Infusion Site

• DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.51.7.2135
• Publication Date: 2007-03-06T19:04:22Z
• Authors: Boaz Hirshberg; Sean Montgomery; Michael G. Wysoki; He Xu; Doug Tadaki; Janet Lee; Kenneth Hines; Jason Gaglia; Noelle Patterson; John Leconte; Douglas Hale; Richard Chang; Alan D. Kirk; David M. Harlan
• Keywords: Immunosuppression; Islet cell transplantation

We’ve established a nonhuman primate islet allotransplant model to address questions such as whether transplanting islets into the gut’s arterial system would more safely and effectively support long-term allograft survival compared with traditional portal vein approach. We reasoned that make up <2% of pancreatic cell mass but consume an estimated 20% blood flow, suggesting advantage for site. Access is also easier safer than system. Pancreatectomized rhesus macaques were transplanted allogeneic infused either (n = 6) or celiac artery 4). To prevent rejection, primates given daclizumab, tacrolimus, rapamycin. In five six experiments, animals achieved normoglycemia without exogenous insulin. contrast, none intra-arterial showed even transient insulin independence (P 0.048). Two latter received second transplant, this time system, both independence. Thus, intraportal transplantation under conventional immunosuppression feasible in can result when adequate maintained. Arterial injection, however, does not appear be viable technique.