Long-term metabolic and immunological follow-up of nonimmunosuppressed patients with type 1 diabetes treated with microencapsulated islet allografts: four cases.

Objective: To assess long-term metabolic and immunological follow-up of microencapsulated human islet allografts in nonimmunosuppressed patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Research Design And Methods: Four nonimmunosuppressed patients, with long-standing T1DM, received intraperitoneal transplant (TX) of microencapsulated human islets. Anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-II, GAD65, and islet cell antibodies were measured before and long term after TX.

A recommended laparoscopic procedure for implantation of microcapsules in the peritoneal cavity of non-human primates.

Background: The anatomical spatial distribution of microencapsulated islets transplanted into the peritoneal cavity of large animals remains a relatively unexplored area of study. In this study, we developed a new implantation approach using laparoscopy in order to avoid microcapsule amalgamation. This approach constitutes a clinically relevant method, which can be used to evaluate the distribution and in vivo biocompatibility of various types of transplanted microcapsules in the future.

Application of microfluidic technology to pancreatic islet research: first decade of endeavor.

β-cells respond to blood glucose by secreting insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis. Perifusion enables manipulation of biological and chemical cues in elucidating the mechanisms of β-cell physiology. Recently, microfluidic devices made of polydimethylsiloxane and Borofloat glass have been developed as miniaturized perifusion setups and demonstrated distinct advantages over conventional techniques in resolving rapid secretory and metabolic waveforms intrinsic to β-cells.