[Functional estimation of the isolated islands of Langerhans in semipermeable membrane chambers]

The possibility for the use of membranes of regenerated cellulose was tested for constructing semipermeable chambers for the cultivation and implantation of the isolated islets of Langerhans. The membranes of regenerated cellulose was well-permeable for insulin. An implantation for one month had no influence at the rate of diffusion of insulin. This shows that the pores of the membrane were not occluded by protein. The occlusion of the pores was one of the greatest hindrances for the use hitherto. The islets of Langerhans in semipermeable chambers with membranes of regenerated cellulose showed a sufficient glucose utilization and lactate production during the whole investigation period within 37 days. A considerable decrease of the insulin secretion of the islets in the chambers was to be observed especially in the first 14 days of the experimental period.