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Effective Isolation of Functional Islets from Neonatal Mouse Pancreas
Published on: January 6, 2017
Functional and survival analysis of isolated human islets
V D'Aleo1, S Del Guerra, G Gualtierotti
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Transplantation Proceedings
|August 10, 2010
Summary
Quality control of isolated human pancreatic islets is crucial for assessing beta-cell function and survival before transplantation. Donor characteristics like BMI and age, along with preparation variables, significantly impact islet quality for type 1 diabetes treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes.
- Evaluating islet function and viability is critical for successful transplantation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess functional and viability parameters of isolated human islets.
- To correlate these parameters with donor clinical characteristics and preparation variables.
Main Methods:
- Islets were isolated from 70 non-diabetic multiorgan donors (mean age 62.5 years, BMI 25.6 kg/m²).
- Evaluated islet number (IEQ/g), insulin release (IR) in response to glucose (g/G), calcium flux concentration (CFC), and islet cell viability.
- Analyzed correlations between islet parameters, donor age, BMI, and cold ischemia time.
Main Results:
- Islet yield (IEQ) was 5249 ± 1505 with 73.7% viability.
- Positive correlations observed between viable cells and insulin release (g/G) and CFC.
- Donor BMI positively correlated with insulin release at low glucose (g); older age negatively correlated with stimulation index (SI); longer cold ischemia time negatively correlated with IEQ.
Conclusions:
- Quality control of isolated human pancreatic islets enables assessment of beta-cell function and survival.
- Donor characteristics and preparation variables are important factors influencing islet quality for transplantation.

