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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Intramuscular Transplantation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Pancreatic Endocrine Cells in Mice
Published on: April 10, 2026
Subcutaneous xenotransplantation of bovine pancreatic islets
Marina Figliuzzi1, Roberta Cornolti, Tiziana Plati
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy. figliuzzi@marionegri.it
Transplantation of pancreatic islets in diabetes is currently limited by the need of immunosuppressive therapy. The present study was designed to test an immunoprotection planar device for subcutaneous xenotransplantation of pancreatic islets in the diabetic rat. We tested three different devices made of polyethersulfone hollow fibers. In all diabetic rats, implantation of islet-containing devices promptly normalized hyperglycemia. In vitro membrane permeability to glucose was correlated with implant function duration. These data confirm that bovine islets contained within devices and implanted subcutaneously remain functional for several days. Strategies to prolong islet function may allow achieving successful long-term islet implantation in this attractive site.
Transplantation of pancreatic islets in diabetes is currently limited by the need of immunosuppressive therapy. The present study was designed to test an immunoprotection planar device for subcutaneous xenotransplantation of pancreatic islets in the diabetic rat. We tested three different devices made of polyethersulfone hollow fibers. In all diabetic rats, implantation of islet-containing devices promptly normalized hyperglycemia. In vitro membrane permeability to glucose was correlated with implant function duration. These data confirm that bovine islets contained within devices and implanted subcutaneously remain functional for several days. Strategies to prolong islet function may allow achieving successful long-term islet implantation in this attractive site.
