Transplants And Diabetes

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from unrelated donors. Of the five treated animals, two
became clinically and biochemically permanently normal. Six months later,
Martin examined the cured rats and found intact, functioning islets
secreting all of their hormones, including insulin. None of the controls
were cured.

Encouraged by their first results, Leibel, Martin, and Zingg decided to
repeat the experiment with rats with much stronger immune barriers
(higher levels of rejection). Seven rats out of nine were cured. "We set
up a protocol and worked patiently with small numbers," says Leibel, "but
the results are indisputable."

In addition to reversing diabetes, there are two other benefits to the
pre-treatment procedure, according to the scientists. The first is that
the pancreas produces all the other hormones of a normal pancreas, not
just insulin. The second benefit is that the transplant recipient doesn't
have to take immunosuppressive drugs, which are so toxic for diabetics.
At present, diabetics who ...

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