Fetal Islet Cell Transplants: Promises and Limits of the Experience in the Eastern Countries

Abstract

The fetal pancreas is a potential source of islet ceils for transplantation. Despite marked advances in experimental islet grafting over the past two decades, successful clinical fetal transplantation seems to be very rare. The possible reasons for the failure of this transplantation are discussed. The review summarizes the development of a method for the isolation of fetal tissue, and the factor influencing the growth and differentiation of isolated fetal islets prior to and after transplantation. Finally, a brief overview is given of the status of clinical human pancreatic transplantation and a possible key to successful grafting.