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Cellular support systems for alginate microcapsules containing islets, as composite bioartificial pancreas
R Calafiore1, G Luca, M Calvitti
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy. islet@unipg.it
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 19, 2002
Summary
Sertoli cells (SC) significantly enhance beta cell function and insulin release in microencapsulated islets. Preliminary xenotransplantation studies show SC support prolongs diabetic remission in mice.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Microencapsulation of islets is a strategy to improve islet transplantation outcomes.
- Cellular support systems may enhance the survival and function of transplanted islets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Sertoli cells (SC) and astrocytes (AA) as cellular support systems for microencapsulated allogeneic islets.
- To assess the impact of SC and AA on beta cell proliferation and insulin secretion.
- To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of SC-supported islet xenotransplantation in diabetic mice.
Main Methods:
- Coincubation of rat islets with SC or AA within microcapsules.
- Assessment of beta cell mitogenesis and in vitro glucose-stimulated insulin release.
- Preliminary xenotransplantation of coencapsulated rat islets and SC into diabetic mice.
Main Results:
- Coincubation with SC, but not AA, significantly stimulated beta cell mitogenesis.
- SC support led to a significant increase in in vitro glucose-stimulated insulin release.
- Preliminary xenotransplantation of islets coencapsulated with SC significantly prolonged hyperglycemia remission in diabetic mice.
Conclusions:
- Sertoli cells show promise as a cellular support system to enhance the functional performance of microencapsulated islets.
- SC-supported islet xenotransplantation may be a viable strategy for managing diabetes.