The in vivo and in vitro effect of 15-deoxyspergualin on pancreatic islet function.

15-deoxyspergualin (DSG) is a novel immunosuppressive agent that has been shown to prolong the function of islet allografts in both small and large animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DSG on in vitro glucose-induced insulin secretion by isolated islets and on glucose disposal in vivo. Incubation of human or rat islets for 24 hr in the presence of DSG (1, 2, 5 or 10 micrograms/ml) did not effect their secretory capacity. In addition, glucose disposal and insulin secretion by normal rats was unaffected by the daily administration of DSG (1, 4, or 10 mg/kg) for 1 week. In contrast to cyclosporine, prednisone, and FK506, DSG does not appear to be associated with altered beta cell function or disordered glucose disposal and is an attractive alternative with potential usefulness in clinical islet allo-transplantation.