Neonatal islet cell transplantation in the diabetic rat: effect on the renal complications

PVG/C rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin and after 1 mth received a single intraperitoneal transplant of isogeneic collagenase digested pancreatic tissue. Renal changes have been studied in transplanted and control diabetic rats using light and electron microscopy and immunological techniques. Following transplantation, renal lesions did not increase in severity and progressive basement membrane thickening was prevented. Ultrastructurally many glomeruli showed a significant reduction in the mesangial matrix and the tubular and mesangial cell changes reverted to normal. Immunofluorescent studies demonstrated a similar reduction in the glomerular deposits of IgG. Possibilities for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in human patients are discussed.