Human islet cell implants in a nude rat model of diabetes survive better in omentum than in liver with a positive influence of beta cell number and purity

Aims/hypothesis Intraportal human islet cell grafts do not consistently and sustainably induce insulin-independency in type 1 diabetic patients. The reasons for losses in donor cells are difficult to assess in patients. This study in streptozotocin-diabetic nude rats examines whether outcome is better in an extra-hepatic site such as omentum.