OBJECTIVETo assess the metabolic consequences of pancreatic transplantation with portal venous drainage and systemic venous drainage in induced inbred rats with streptozocin.

METHODSPancreaticoduodenal transplantation was performed on 8 rats with the donor portal veins anastomosed to the recipient superior mesenteric vein and on 10 rats with the donor portal veins anastomosed to the recipient cava inferior vein. We measured the recipients' weight, urine and plasma glucose concentration, plasma insulin concentration at the beginning, and before and after transplantation. We used the euglycemi-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp test and glucose infusion required as an index of insulin sensitivity.

RESULTSThe plasma glucose and insulin concentration recovered to normal after transplantation in the portal venous drainage group. The plasma insulin levels increased in the systemic venous group after transplantation. There was a difference in the glucose infusion required between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONThese data imply that portal venous drainage of the transplanted pancreas is an important factor in the determination of peripheral insulin sensitivity.