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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Isolation of Mouse Pancreatic Endothelial Cells
Published on: June 21, 2024
Primary and immortalised human pancreatic islet endothelial cells: phenotypic and immunological characterisation
E Favaro1, A Bottelli, B Lozanoska-Ochser
1Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Experimental Medicine (CeRMS), University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Aims/Hypothesis:
Studies on the biology of the microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) that surround and penetrate the pancreatic islets are hampered by difficulties in isolating and culturing large numbers of pure cells. We aimed to morphologically and functionally characterise primary MECs purified and cultured from human islets, and to establish a simian virus 40 (SV40)-immortalised cell line from these primary cultures.
Materials And Methods:
Human islet MECs were extracted and purified using anti-CD105 coated immunomagnetic beads, and endothelial markers and surface molecules analysed by flow cytometric analysis. An immortalised cell line was then established by using a chimeric adeno5/SV40 virus.
Results:
Islet MECs expressed classic and specific endothelial markers, a high basal level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and low levels of E-selectin and TNF (previously known as TNF-alpha) inducible vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. IFNG (previously known as IFN-gamma) induced expression of HLA class II molecules. The immortalised islet MECs expanded rapidly, exhibited increased DNA synthesis, and were passaged approximately 30 times, without signs of senescence. They retained the endothelial characteristics of the parental cells, and behaved as the primary cells in terms of TNF stimulation of expression of adhesion molecules and support of leucocyte adhesion and transmigration.
Conclusions/Interpretation:
The immortalised islet MECs that we have established could effectively represent a substitute for primary counterparts for in vitro studies on the role of the microvasculature in pathophysiological processes involved in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Insights
Researchers developed an immortalized microvascular endothelial cell (MEC) line from human islets. This cell line effectively models primary MECs for diabetes research, aiding studies on pancreatic microvasculature.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Isolating and culturing pancreatic islet microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) for research is challenging.
- Understanding islet MEC biology is crucial for studying diabetes pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize primary human islet MECs.
- To establish a simian virus 40 (SV40)-immortalized islet MEC cell line for research.
Main Methods:
- Human islet MECs were purified using anti-CD105 immunomagnetic beads.
- Flow cytometry analyzed endothelial markers and surface molecules.
- An immortalized cell line was created using a chimeric adeno5/SV40 virus.
Main Results:
- Purified islet MECs expressed endothelial markers and adhesion molecules.
- Interferon-gamma (IFNG) induced HLA class II expression.
- The immortalized MECs exhibited rapid expansion, retained endothelial characteristics, and mimicked primary cell behavior in response to TNF stimulation and leukocyte interactions.
Conclusions:
- The established immortalized islet MECs serve as a viable substitute for primary cells in in vitro studies.
- This cell line facilitates research into the microvasculature's role in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
