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Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Intraportal Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets in Mouse Model
Published on: May 5, 2018
Bioartificial pancreas transplantation at prevascularized intermuscular space: effect of angiogenesis induction on
A N Balamurugan1, Yuanjun Gu, Yasuhiko Tabata
1Department of Organ Reconstruction, Field of Clinical Application, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Introduction:
Bioartificial pancreas (BAP) transplantation offers a potential treatment of diabetes mellitus. The optimal site for BAP transplantation has not yet been established.
Aim:
To monitor the effect of induction of neovascularization at the intermuscular space on islet survival after allogenic transplantation of BAP.
Methodology:
Angiogenesis was induced at the intermuscular space of diabetic Lewis rats by implanting a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh bag, which enclosed a collagen sponge and biodegradable gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor. After confirmation of angiogenesis, BAP was prepared by mixing of 5% agarose with approximately 2,800 isolated rat (Sprague-Dawley) islets and transplanted into the prevascularized PET mesh bag.
Results:
Neovascularization was observed in and around the PET mesh bag within 10 days after implantation as confirmed by macroscopic and microscopic examinations. In the presence of a collagen sponge, new blood vessels penetrated into the PET mesh bag and formed a vascular bed. After transplantation, normoglycemia was achieved in the rats within 3 days and maintained for >35 days. The rats gradually gained body weight, and the results of intravenous glucose tolerance test showed normal patterns of blood glucose clearance 1 month after transplantation.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that the prevascularized PET mesh bag enabled transplanted BAP to survive and maintain function, thus indicating a potential site for BAP transplantation.
