Islet transplantation in experimental diabetes of the rat. VI. Rate of regression in diabetic kidney lesions after isogeneic islet transplantation: quantitative measurements.

Intraportal transplantation of isogeneic adult islets in diabetic rats resulted in long-lasting amelioration of the metabolic disorder. The effect upon diabetes-induced kidney changes (enlargement of mesangial space, capillary changes, cell-proliferation) was examined quantitatively by morphometric studies. The major effect was a remarkable reduction of the mesangial space and re-widening of the capillary lumina. The number of endothelial cells was lowered. Regarding epithelial and mesangila cells no difference was observed between normal, diabetic and transplanted animals of age-matched groups.