Alan Thicke Centre funds novel micro-imaging research for diabetes

LONDON, ON (May 17, 2005) -- The Alan Thicke Centre for Juvenile Diabetes Research is supporting a promising London research project to refine an emerging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that aims to ultimately improve the outcome in islet-cell transplantation for diabetics. “We’re very pleased to support this collaborative project as it epitomizes London’s interdisciplinary research strength in diabetes, immunology, transplantation and medical imaging,” said actor Alan Thicke, whose London-based non-profit centre has pledged $120,000 to the project. “I am very pleased that our scientists are once again leading the way in the global attack on diabetes.” The research team is led by Robarts scientists Dr. David White and Dr. Paula Foster with Dr. Savita Dhanvantari of Lawson Health Research Institute. The Alan Thicke Centre for Juvenile Diabetes Research was established by volunteers in 1989 to raise funds to support diabetes research in the London scientific community. The goal of this research project is to develop a novel technique using MRI to track the location and function of insulin-producing islet cells after transplant. Currently, there is no effective way to assess the survival of the large number of islet cells that must be transplanted, many of which may be destroyed by the recipient’s immune system before they can do their job producing insulin. “We believe this technology will advance our knowledge of islet cell transplantation,” said Dr. White, Director of the Islet Cell Transplant Laboratory. “Our preliminary studies have provided what we believe to be the first evidence that insulin-producing beta cells within the islets can be imaged using MRI. We load the cells with nanoparticles of iron oxide, a harmless contrast agent, which allows them to be detected by MRI,” explained Dr. Foster. “Support from the Alan Thicke Centre will help us take what we’ve learned about imaging these cells in test tubes and adapt that for use in patients.” Dr. White presented these findings at the International Pancreas and Islet Transplantation Association Congress in Geneva this month. Dr. Foster was also invited this month to present her research to the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine in Miami. -30- For more information contact: Dr. David White, Scientist, Robarts Research Institute, (519) 663-5777 ext. 32946; Melissa Beilhartz, Lawson Health Research Institute, (519) 646-6100, ext. 65516 or pager 10699; Paul Beamish, Alan Thicke Centre, (519) 661-3237 or Diane Wall, Alan Thicke Centre, (519) 473-0401.