Fetal pancreas transplantation for reversal of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats was completely reversed by transplantation of syngeneic fetal pancreases placed beneath the kidney capsule. To accomplish complete reversal of diabetes, four or more pancreases were necessary; three resulted in partial reversal, and two produced a slight but significant effect in some recipients. Removal of the transplants resulted in the prompt return of diabetes. The islets of Langerhans in the transplants functioned homeostatically; this was indicated by regular normal blood glucose values, in addition to normal findings in blood IRI response and glucose disappearance rate after glucose injection. Disappearance of exocrine elements, with only ducts and fibrous tissue remaining, resulted in a pure endocrine organ. The advantages of this technie, such as ease of accessibility for placement, observation, and removal, are of great importance for possible application to humans.