Effect of the number of islets on the outcome after transplantation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

This study tested the hypothesis that normalization of glucose homeostasis after islet transplantation is correlated to the number of islets, and by increasing this number a complete normalization of glucose homeostasis could be achieved, 1,200 or 2,400 islets were transplanted into the left kidney subcapsular space in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed at 10 days, 3 and 6 months after transplantation. Transplantation of both 1,200 and 2,400 islets normalized the basal blood glucose levels within 24-48 hours, which remained normal for the entire study period of 6 months. Basal plasma insulin levels and body weight were also normalized in both transplanted groups. Transplantation of 2,400 islets achieved normal glucose-induced insulin secretion at 10 days after transplantation and for the following 6 months. In contrast, glucose intolerance was present in rats transplanted with only 1,200 islets. It is concluded that complete glucose homeostasis after islet transplantation is dependent on the number of transplanted islets and can be achieved by increasing this number.