Nr. 1 - 1. Quartal 1998

A New Method of Encapsulation of Islets of Langerhans using a Biological Membrane of Chondrocytes Aiming for Immunoisolation

J. M. Pollok, C. Ibarra, G. W. Fröschle, C. E. Broelsch, J. P. Vacanti

Islet transplantation is a potential cure for diabetes mellitus. The major problem for clinical application remains the prevention of transplant rejection without major side effects. Immunoisolation is an experimental strategy to prevent rejection, by separating the transplanted allogeneic or xenogeneic cells from the host immune system using a barrier device. Current methods of immunoisolation use artificial, not completely inert materials as barrier devices and induce an unwanted foreign body reaction. Using recipient own cells for encapsulation the foreign body reaction could be prevented. This study describes a new method of encapsulation of islets of Langerhans within a capsule of chondrocytes, which may serve as an immunoisolation barrier utilizing the immunoprivileged properties of the chondrocyte matrix and demonstrates the functional survival including regulated insulin secretion of the encapsulated islets in vitro.

Keywords:

Immunoisolation, islet transplantation, tissue engineering, chondrocytes, chondrocyte matrix

Kurztitel:

Pollok, J. M. et al. (1998) TxMed 1:48

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