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At the time islets are dripped into the liver, the mere introduction of these cells in a new site sets off signals that activate coagulation (blood clots) and various non-specific inflammatory processes that can destroy as many as half the transplanted cells.
This destructive process is known as primary non function (PNF) and occurs at the implant site before the islets have a chance to “take” and develop their own blood supply.
Therapeutic intervention to prevent this early loss can encompass the treatment of the islets, the patient, or both.
DRI researchers believe that these studies could lead to the definition of new therapeutic protocols for the prevention of PNF.
Scientists have shown that insulin independence can be achieved with fewer islets if these early, non-specific inflammatory events are prevented. This is an important goal due to the shortage of donor organs available for transplantation.
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Transplanted islets engrafted in the liver. The islets are stained (reddish brown) to identify insulin.
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