Reversal of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by intraperitoneal implantation of encapsulated neonatal rabbit pancreatic tissue.

Implants of rabbit neonatal pancreas, encased in 'Nucleopore' chambers (0.4 micrometer) reversed streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat. Blood-glucose, plasma-insulin, and oral glucose-tolerance test returned to normal. An isolated, perfused, streptozotocin-treated pancreas removed from a diabetic animal did not secrete insulin and removal of implants after 6 weeks from six animals caused all animals to die in hyperglycaemia within 8 days. This shows that the implant did not lead to the re-establishment of endogenous pancreatic function. Implanted diced neonatal pancreas in three chambers removed after 6 weeks secreted glucagon, insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide in vitro. No rejection reactions were seen. Rabbit neonatal pancreatic implants may thus be feasible therapy in insulin-requiring diabetic patients. Implants of other non-syngeneic endocrine cells--i.e., pituitary, thyroid, and ovary--may be useful in other hypoendocrine syndromes.