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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

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Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres
Published on: November 5, 2016
Prolactin supplementation to culture medium improves beta-cell survival
Toshiyuki Yamamoto1, Atsuyoshi Mita, Camillo Ricordi
1Cell Transplant Center, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Transplantation
|April 2, 2010
Summary
Human recombinant prolactin (rhPRL) supplementation improved beta-cell survival in islet cultures by 37%. This enhanced beta-cell viability without affecting islet quality, offering a promising strategy for improving islet transplantation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) has demonstrated beneficial effects on beta cells.
- Optimizing beta-cell survival is crucial for successful islet transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of human recombinant prolactin (rhPRL) on human beta-cell survival and function in the context of islet transplantation.
- To determine if rhPRL supplementation can enhance beta-cell viability during culture.
Main Methods:
- Human islets were cultured with or without rhPRL (500 microg/L) for 48 hours.
- Beta-cell survival, proliferation, and protection against noxious stimuli were assessed.
- In vitro cytokine/chemokine and tissue factor production, and in vivo islet potency were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Beta-cell survival was 37% higher in the rhPRL group compared to controls (P=0.029).
- rhPRL demonstrated cytoprotective effects against cytokines, nitric oxide donors, and H2O2 in vitro.
- rhPRL did not alter beta-cell proliferation, cytokine/chemokine production, or in vivo islet function.
Conclusions:
- rhPRL supplementation enhances human beta-cell survival during islet culture without compromising islet quality.
- rhPRL may increase the viable beta-cell mass available for transplantation.
- Developing beta-cell cytoprotective strategies like rhPRL could improve islet transplantation success rates.

