| abstract |
This invention uses placental alkaline phosphatase (“PALP”), and other members of the alkaline phosphatase family, to reduce the death and thereby maintain or enhance the viability and function of insulin-producing islet β-cells including insulin secretion. PALP may be administered to a patient that has received transplanted islet cells to protect the transplanted islets against ROS-mediated attacks by the patient's immune system. Transferrin and other promoters of islet survival may also be used to enhance the effects of PALP on islet viability both in vivo and in vitro. |