Beta-cell response and insulin sensitivity after segmental pancreatic autotransplantation with systemic venous drainage.

It is hypothesized that heterotopic segmental pancreatic autotransplantation with removal of the remaining segment compromises glucose tolerance in dogs in the long run. In 10 dogs the left lobe of the pancreas was heterotopically autotransplanted, in 5 dogs the left lobe remained in situ, after denervation. Duct drainage was provided by a pancreaticoileostomy. Six months after transplantation, decreased beta-cell response, combined with increased insulin sensitivity was observed in the heterotopically transplanted dogs. Five dogs in this group developed an insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. These results are explicable by the diversion of insulin from the liver and the late effects of continuous endocrine pancreatic stimulation on the beta-cell function.