BACKGROUND: Implantation site is an important factor affecting the effect of islet transplantation. In the literature, the gastric subserous space (GSS) is rarely used as the implantation site of islets. Our present study reports the initial results with a limited numbers of islets transplanted into the GSS in Lewis rats and compares the outcomes between the GSS and the liver.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: STZ was used to induce diabetes in Lewis rats, using a limited numbers of islets from the donors of the same species transplanted into the GSS and also into the portal vein (PV). Fasting blood glucose levels were measured and the transplanted insulin-positive islets were detected using immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS: The fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced compared with that in the pre-transplantation period in rats of the GSS group. Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) on day 28 after transplantation revealed an excellent functional capacity. Insulin-positive islets were identified in the stomach throughout the study. However, we found no difference in fasting blood glucose between pre- and post-transplantation and no insulin-positive islets were discovered in rats of the PV group.

CONCLUSIONS: Under the treatment of a limited numbers of islets, the gastric subserous space reveals a preferable capacity for glycometabolism of STZ-induced Lewis diabetic rats compared with the portal vein.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Gastric Mucosa, Islets of Langerhans Transplantation, Portal Vein, Rats, Inbred Lew