The value of histological study by surface analysis of preserved and injected pancreatic grafts: a prospective controlled study in dogs.

To evaluate the effects of pancreas preservation and pancreatic duct obliteration on the endocrine pancreas, three groups of dogs were used: a control group (six) in which histologic analysis of normal pancreas was performed and two randomized groups (seven) from which the caudal pancreas was auto-transplanted, injected with fibrin glue and removed on the 28th day. In Group A, each graft was flushed out with Euro-Collins' solution and immediately transplanted. In Group B, each graft was preserved 24 hours in a preservation solution and transplanted. Islet surface ratios on the sections and mean islet surfaces were greater in the control group than in Group A (p = 0.011 and 0.023) and no different between control group and Group B (p = 0.334 and 0.099). This surface analysis study suggests that the mode of management of grafts in itself explains the alteration of endocrine pancreas and that obliteration of the pancreatic ducts has little influence on this alteration.