[Further developments in pancreatic islet transplantation I. Induction of selective morphological changes in the...

For pancreatic islet transplantation to become clinically applicable, chemical agents are needed which cause selective morphological alterations in the exocrine part of the organ within a few hours after application. DL-ethionine (Aet), cerulein (Cd), seleno-DL-methionine (SeMet) and seleno-DL-ethionine (SeAet) were given to rats during various time periods. At 4 h after i.p. injection, 40 mg/kg SeMet caused the greatest selective morphological alterations in the exocrine pancreas. Acinar structure disappeared, the exocrine cells were abnormal and their nuclei had various dimensions and forms. There were, however, no alterations in the islet cells. At this time, neither Aet, Cd, nor SeAet produced similar changes. SeMet was the most toxic substance and was taken up in the shortest time and in the greatest amount. This selective destructive SeMet effect allows better isolation of the islets from exocrine tissue thereby increasing islet yield and decreasing transplantation volume. Better islet purification may prevent an early rejection.