TY  - JOUR
AU  - Bellin, Melena
AU  - Muratore, Sydne
AU  - Skube, Mariya
AU  - Beilman, Gregory
AU  - Coughlan, Alexandria
AU  - McEachron, Kendall
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2019/01/24
TI  - Where’s Waldo? Extrahepatic Site Options for Islet Transplantation
JO  - OBM Transplantation
SP  - 042
VL  - 03
IS  - 01
AB  - The current predominant location for allo- and auto-transplantation of islet cells is into the liver via the portal venous system. Despite the relative success of this site over the last several decades, further study has revealed multiple disadvantages.  Portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, bleeding, low oxygen tension, instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction, inadequate alpha cell function, and delays in neovascularization are factors that continue to drive researchers to explore alternative extrahepatic sites for islet transplantation. The spleen, kidney, intestinal wall, bone marrow, omentum, peritoneum and other sites have been evaluated for islet transplant. Factors to include in choosing an optimal site includes: capacity, transplant efficacy, portal venous drainage, high oxygen tension, easy retrivability and access. Some sites have been explored only in a experimental capacity with preclinical work, while other sites, such as the omentum, are currently undergoing clinical trials. The various benefits and limitations of these sites are reviewed in this article.
SN  - 2577-5820
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.transplant.1901042
DO  - 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901042
ID  - Bellin2019
ER  -