[Experimental pancreas transplantation].

Pancreatic auto- and allotransplantation of the pancreas tail were successfully performed in dogs. Malnutrition related to pancreatic exocrine hypofunction occurs initially in pancreatic-autotransplantation but gradual recovery by 3 months is normal. Tolbutamide showed a significant prolongation of hypoglycemia, glucose tolerance curves were normal in pancreatic autotransplantation. Denervation and lymphatic interruption of the pancreas may cause a transient but not definitive influence on pancreatic functions. In pancreatic allotransplantations there was a slight extension of survival time in the immunosuppressive treated group (Imuran 6 mg/kg). The results suggest that hyperglycemia, a poor response of the islets after glucose stimulation and a low circulating plasma-insulin level along with a low amylase level indicated the end point of rejection. The canine pancreas has been perfused for 3 hours with a membrane oxygenator, a pulsatile pump and a heat exchanger at a temperature of 37 degrees C. Among the criteria used in this study the insulin output into the venous blood in response to glucose administration as well as a pancreas secretion after secretin stimulation were found to be the most reliable indicators as to the viability of the pancreas. This is further supported by an average oxygen consumption of 0,77 ml O2/100 g/min at a constant flow of 80 ml/min and a pressure of 75 mmHg.