Is there an optimal concentration of cotransplanted islets of Langerhans for stimulation of hepatocytes in three dimensional matrices?
GROUND: Hepatocyte transplantation using three-dimensional matrices is under investigation as an alternative therapy for several liver diseases. For sufficient transplantation results hepatotrophic stimulation is necessary. We investigated the stimulatory effect of cotransplanted pancreatic islets in different ratios. METHODS: Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients. A portocaval shunt (group A) or sham operation (groups B-G) was performed 1 week before hepatocyte transplantation. Four polyvinyl-alcohol matrices each containing 1.25 x 10(7) hepatocytes (groups A and B) or 1.25 x 10(7) hepatocytes and 125 (C), 250 (D), 500 (E), or 750 (F) islets were implanted between small bowel mesenteric leaves. In group G, medium soaked matrices were implanted. One month after implantation, specimens were harvested and investigated using albumin-RNA in situ hybridization, and insulin, glucagon, and bromodesoxy uridine immunohistochemistry. The hepatocyte area was assessed using image analysis.