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The results of 18-hours of hypothermic pulsatile perfusion and 18-hours of cold storage of canine pancreas are compared. Both methods of preservation yield the same endocrine pancreas function. However preservation of pancreas by perfusion results in considerable oedema of the gland and high enzyme activity in the perfusate. Therefore, cold storage should be used for the preservation of pancreas.

Isolated islets of Langerhans were transplanted through the portal vein in the liver of 8 diabetic dogs; In 4 dogs a homologous transplantation was performed and another group of four dogs received isolated islets from their sisters or brothers. In both groups, there was an immediate effect on the blood glucose level. After pancreatectomy and injection of Alloxan the blood glucose rose to between 350 and 420 mg per 100 ml and after islet implantation the blood glucose decreased between 80 to 160 mg per 100 ml. The iv GTT'S were after islet implantation clear better than in the diabetic control animals. These results could maintained in the recipients with homologues islets over a period of 6 to 8 weeks and in the other group of dogs over a period of 6 to 12 months. We were able to show, that the islet implantation in the liver of diabetic dogs did not disturb the microscopic architecture of the liver. No signs of portal hypertension, hepatic congestion and embolism were found.