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Human Pancreatic Islet Isolation: Part I: Digestion and Collection of Pancreatic Tissue
Published on: May 26, 2009
Pancreas oxygenation is limited during preservation with the two-layer method
K K Papas1, B J Hering, L Guenther
1Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Transplantation Proceedings
|November 22, 2005
Summary
The two-layer method (TLM) poorly oxygenates pancreas tissue, with limited oxygen penetration. Further research into native vasculature oxygenation is needed to improve islet yield for transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Organ preservation
- Transplantation biology
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- The two-layer method (TLM) is a pancreas preservation technique.
- TLM is hypothesized to improve islet yield and transplantation outcomes due to enhanced oxygenation.
- Direct measurements of oxygen partial pressure (pO(2)) in TLM-preserved pancreata are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine pancreas oxygenation using the TLM.
- To compare theoretical predictions with direct pO(2) measurements in preserved pancreata.
Main Methods:
- Calculated pO(2) profiles in cylindrical pancreata using a diffusion-reaction model at various temperatures.
- Measured pO(2) in porcine pancreatic tissue using fiber optic sensors in the core during TLM preservation in 100% oxygen-saturated media.
Main Results:
- Theoretical models predict limited oxygen penetration (approx. 1 mm) and a low oxygenated volume fraction (approx. 15% for a 2.5-cm diameter pancreas) at 8°C.
- Experimental measurements confirmed near-zero pO(2) in the core of TLM-preserved pancreatic tissue.
- Observed discrepancies in previous pO(2) measurements may be due to solution penetration around sensors; reoxygenation of heat-treated tissue was slow.
Conclusions:
- The TLM provides inadequate oxygenation for a significant volume of human pancreas tissue.
- Exploring oxygenation via the native vasculature is crucial for enhancing viable islet yield in pancreas transplantation.
