immunology allergic disorders
Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation
Procedure
A pancreas is removed from a brain-dead donor;collagenaseis infused into the pancreatic duct to separate islets from pancreatic tissue. A purified islet cell fraction is infused percutaneously into the portal vein by direct puncture of that vein or via a branch of the mesenteric vein. Islet cells travel into hepatic sinusoids, where they lodge and secreteinsulin. Results are best when 2 cadavers are used, with each supplying 2 or 3 infusions of islet cells, followed by a Posttransplantation Immunosuppression regimen consisting of an anti-IL-2 receptor antibody ( 