Recovery of endogenous beta cell function in non-human primates following chemical diabetes induction and islet transplantation

Objectives: To describe the ability of non-human primate endocrine pancreata to re-establish endogenous insulin production after chemical beta cell destruction. Research Design and Methods: Eleven monkeys (macaca fascicularis) were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Eight diabetic monkeys received intraportal porcine islet transplantation. Results: Two monkeys transplanted after 75 days of insulin dependent diabetes, showed recovery of endogenous C-peptide production a few weeks after transplantation, concomitant with graft failure. Histological analysis of the pancreas of these monkeys showed insulin-positive cells, single or in small aggregates scattered in the pancreas and adjacent t…