AIM: To develop an experimental model of islet allotransplantation in
diabetic rats and to determine the positive or adverse effects of MMF as
a single agent.
METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats and 18 male Lewis rats were used as
recipients and donors respectively. Diabetes was induced by the use of
streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Unpurified islets were
isolated using the collagenase digestion technique and transplanted into
the splenic parenchyma. The recipients were randomly assigned to one of
the following three groups: group A (control group) had no
immunosuppression; group B received cyclosporine (CsA) (5 mg/kg); group
C received mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (20 mg/kg). The animals were
killed on the 12(th) d. Blood and grafted tissues were obtained for
laboratory and histological assessment.
RESULTS: Median allograft survival was significantly higher in the two
therapy groups than that in the controls (10 and 12 d for CsA and MMF
respectively vs 0 d for the control group, P<0.01). No difference in
allograft survival between the CsA and MMF groups was found. However,
MMF had less renal and hepatic toxicity and allowed weight gain.
CONCLUSION: Monotherapy with MMF for immunosuppression was safe in an
experimental model of islet allotransplantation and was equally
effective with cyclosporine, with less toxicity. (C) 2005 The WJG Press
and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
