Pancreatic islets implanted in an irreversible electroporation generated extracellular matrix in the liver

Irreversible electroporation-enabled islet transplantation

Abstract

Introduction. Pancreatic islet transplantation via infusion through the portal vein, has become an established clinical treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes or undergoing total pancreatectomy. Because the engraftment efficiency is low, new methods for pancreatic islets implantation are sought. In this first order study, we explore the feasibility of pancreatic islet implantation in a non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) decellularized matrix in the liver. Methods Pancreatic islets and saline controls were injected at sites pre-treated with NTIRE in the rat liver, 16 hours after the treatement. Seven days after the NTIRE treatment,islet graft function was assessed by detecting insulin and glucagon in the liver with immunohistochemistry. Results and Discussion Pancreatic islet implanted into a NTIRE-treated volume of liver became incorporated into the liver parenchyma and produced insulin and glucagon. This study is a proof of feasibility.  Much more research is needed to optimize the procedure.  Conclusions The study demonstrates the feasibility of pancreatic islets transplantation in a volume of liver tissue treated with NTIRE.