Reversal of Diabetes by Xenotransplantation of Monkey Pancreatic Islets in Rats

Abstract

The diabetic state of rats can be reversed by xenotransplantation of isolated monkey islets. Ultrastructural study confirms the normal synthesis and release of islet hormones. The released insulin from transplanted monkey islets had lowered the plasma glucose level of recipient rats.

Xenotransplantation Literature Update January–February, 2005

“…Mythili et al [12] isolated pancreatic islets from monkeys and transplanted them under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats that received cyclosporine. Diabetes could be reversed, and graft ultrastructure studied by electron microscopy showed presence of normal secretory granules in the transplanted islets, confirming normal synthesis and release of islet hormones [12].…”