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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Purification from Lewis Rats Using Enzymatic Digestion and Density-Gradient Separation
Published on: April 3, 2026
[Improved method for optimized isolation and purification of rat islets and identification of function]
Yu Yuan1, Cong Cong, Jing Zhang
1Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China.
Summary
This study presents an improved collagenase perfusion and density gradient centrifugation method for isolating and purifying rat islets. The optimized technique yields high-purity, high-viability islets suitable for transplantation and functional studies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Islet isolation is crucial for diabetes research and transplantation.
- Existing methods may have limitations in purity and yield.
- Optimizing isolation protocols is essential for successful islet cell therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an improved method for isolating and purifying rat islets.
- To assess the purity, viability, and function of the isolated islets.
- To establish a reliable protocol for obtaining high-quality islets for research.
Main Methods:
- Rat pancreata were processed using collagenase perfusion.
- Islets were purified via discontinuous density gradient centrifugation using Euro-Ficoll.
- Purity and viability were assessed using dithizone staining and fluorescence microscopy, respectively.
Main Results:
- The improved method yielded (920+/-122) IEQ of purified islets per rat.
- Islet purity and viability exceeded 90%.
- Purified islets demonstrated significant glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and maintained normal glucose levels in diabetic rat models post-transplantation.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced collagenase perfusion and density gradient centrifugation method effectively produces high-purity, high-viability rat islets.
- This protocol is suitable for obtaining functional islets for diabetes research and potential therapeutic applications.
