Glossary

You can call (352) 265-0254 or (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to make a referral to the pancreas transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

Antigen - markers on each cell in your body that your immune system identifies as yours. Antigens considered in transplant are called HLA antigens.

Antibody - special substances that attack and destroy foreign bodies. Antibodies will attack antigens that are different from yours.

Blood type - blood group to which you belong. You can have A, AB, B or O type blood.

Cadaver pancreas - pancreas taken from a donor who is brain-dead.

Immune system - body's defense system that knows you and destroys cells in your body that are not like you

Immunosuppression - term used when your immune defense system is lowered. Prednisone, Imuran, Cyclosporine, CellCept, Prograf and OKT-3 are immunosuppressive drugs. These will help prevent your body from rejecting your transplanted pancreas.

Killer cells - special cells that belong to the immune system and circulate in your blood "looking for trouble." A new pancreas transplant with antigens that do not belong to you may attract the killer cells.

Rejection - when your immune system recognizes that your kidney is different from the rest of your cells and attempts to destroy it. This is a normal body response.

Tissue typing - blood test to identify specific antigens considered for transplant (HLA antigens)

Type I Diabetes - diabetes that usually occurs in childhood or early adulthood and always requires insulin for control since the pancreas has stopped making insulin.

Type II Diabetes - diabetes that usually occurs in adults but can be controlled with diet, exercise and pills. In Type II Diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin but the insulin isn't affective. A pancreas transplant is not helpful for this type of diabetes.

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

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Pancreas Transplant Navigation

Diet after a pancreas transplant

Evaluation

Facts

Frequently asked questions

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.