Biphasic release of insulin from islets of Langerhans after their transplantation into the liver of rats.

The ability of transplanted islets to release insulin after stimulation with glucose was analysed. Three months after islet transplantation into the liver of diabetic rats the liver was perfused in vitro with different glucose-containing perfusion fluids. Transplanted islets preserve their functional integrity for at least three months and contribute substantially to the observed amelioration of the diabetic state. They are able to release insulin after stimulation with 16 mM glucose with a typical biphasic secretion profile. Insulin containing islets were identified by light microscopy in the tissue of the liver.