[The pig--an experimental model for transplantation of isolated islets pancreatic islets]

The authors present results of autotransplantation of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas in pigs and miniature pigs ("Troll"). Diabetes was induced by total pancreatomy. From the removed pancreas the islets of Langerhans were separated by the method of intraductal perfusion with collagenase and implanted into the spleen or liver via the portal vein. The mortality on operation in pigs was 33%, in miniature pigs 20%. In domestic pigs normal blood sugar levels were achieved in 25% after implantation of the islets of Langerhans into the liver (in 2 of 8 animals) and in 50% after implantation into the spleen (in 4 of 8 animals). In miniature pigs autotransplantation of the islets of Langerhans was equally successful when transplanted into the liver or the spleen -50%. The 50% success of autotransplantations justifies the use of pigs as a model for further investigations of allo- or xenotransplantations of the islets of Langerhans.