Date of Award

2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

First Advisor

Charlotte H. Greene, PhD

Second Advisor

Richard Kriebel, PhD

Third Advisor

David M. Cavanaugh, BS

Fourth Advisor

Jeffrey S. Freeman, DO

Abstract

The biologic functions carried out by the pancreas are, without a doubt, essential to life. This can be demonstrated by the fact that some diabetics require insulin supplementation and those suffering from other diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, or who have undergone pancreatectomy require supplementation with exocrine enzymes. As would be expected, we are constantly searching for more longterm, patient oriented solutions to chronic health conditions. As such, there has been a gradual transition from daily insulin injections to insulin pumps which allow for easier and more closely controlled glucose levels. Work has also been done regarding various methods of pancreatic transplantation and with bioartificial pancreata, hoping to restore a degree of endocrine function (Kizilel, 2005). This research was designed to test the plausibility of using porcine small intestine submucosa as a medium on which pancreatic cells could proliferate and potentially be useful in transplantation or in a bioartificial pancreas.

Included in

Therapeutics Commons

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