A comparative study of transplant sites for endocrine tissue transplantation in the pig

Thyroid and thymus tissue autografts were used to examine the suitability of different transplant sites in the pig for endocrine tissue transplantation. The omental pouch, gall bladder fossa and renal subcapsular space showed optimal implantation, preservation and vascularisation of graft tissue. Marked dissemination of graft tissue was observed at intramuscular sites and graft viability at subcutaneous sites in the ear was poor. The omental pouch represents a potentially suitable site for pancreatic islet tissue transplantation studies in the pig.