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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Intraportal Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets in Mouse Model
Published on: May 5, 2018
Intraportal Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets in Mouse Model
Rahul Khatri1, Birte Hussmann1, Divya Rawat1
1Third Medical Department, Clinical Research Lab.
Abstract:
Pancreatic islet transplantation to reduce hyperglycemia is highly successful in rodents with chemically-induced diabetes. The most common transplantation site in experimental islet transplantation is the kidney capsule. However, as less is known about the interaction of pancreatic islets with blood constituents, it also makes sense to utilize the portal vein approach in experimental islet transplantation. This protocol demonstrates an intraportal islet transplantation technique in NMRI nude mice. Streptozotocin (180 mg/kg) is injected intraperitoneally to induce hyperglycemia in recipient mice. They are considered as diabetic at a non-fasting blood glucose level greater than 20 mmol/L. One day prior to transplantation, mouse pancreatic islets are isolated from the donor pancreas by collagenase digestion; a minimum of 350 islets are utilized per diabetic recipient. Depending upon the islet isolation yield, two or more donor mice are utilized per recipient. After overnight culture at 37 °C, islets are administered into the recipient liver via the portal vein. After surgery, the mice are protected in red Makrolon houses and observed until are awake. This protocol maintains glycemic control for 120 days in syngeneic mice and 15 days in allogeneic mice.
Insights
This study details an intraportal islet transplantation method in mice to treat diabetes. The technique effectively controls blood glucose levels, offering a promising approach for diabetes research.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Transplantation Biology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Pancreatic islet transplantation is a successful method for managing chemically-induced diabetes in rodents.
- The kidney capsule is a common site, but the portal vein offers better insight into islet-blood interactions.
- Intraportal transplantation is explored as an alternative site for experimental islet transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a detailed protocol for intraportal islet transplantation in NMRI nude mice.
- To establish a reliable method for inducing hyperglycemia using streptozotocin.
- To evaluate the efficacy of intraportal islet transplantation in restoring glycemic control.
Main Methods:
- Hyperglycemia induced via intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection (180 mg/kg).
- Diabetic state confirmed by non-fasting blood glucose > 20 mmol/L.
- Islet isolation via collagenase digestion; minimum 350 islets transplanted per recipient via portal vein into the liver.
- Syngeneic and allogeneic transplantation models utilized.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of hyperglycemia in recipient mice.
- Intraportal islet transplantation maintained glycemic control for 120 days in syngeneic recipients.
- Glycemic control was maintained for 15 days in allogeneic recipients.
Conclusions:
- The described intraportal islet transplantation protocol is effective in NMRI nude mice.
- This technique provides a viable model for studying islet engraftment and function in the liver.
- The portal vein approach facilitates the study of islet interactions with blood constituents in vivo.
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