Optimal Time to Ship Human Islets Post Tissue Culture to Maximize Islet.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Transplantation Biology
• Diabetes Research

Background:

• High-quality human islets are crucial for diabetes research.
• The Integrated Islet Distribution Program (IIDP) is a key provider of human islets.
• Optimizing islet shipping protocols is essential for maximizing recovery and quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal time to ship human islets postisolation to maximize islet recovery and quality.
• To evaluate the impact of preshipment holding times on islet quantity, quality, and viability.
• To assess the effect of preshipment holding on functional potency.

Main Methods:

• Three IIDP centers provided samples from five human islet isolations each.
• Islet equivalents (IEQ) were shipped at four different time points postisolation (0-18h, 18-42h, 48-96h, 144-192h).
• Central evaluation assessed islet quantity, quality, viability, and functional potency (GSIR) pre- and post-shipment and post-culture.

Main Results:

• Greatest islet equivalent (IEQ) loss occurred with the shortest preshipment times (0-18 hours).
• Similar patterns of loss were observed when comparing preshipment to post-culture.
• In vitro islet function (glucose-stimulated insulin release) was not negatively impacted by extended culture times.

Conclusions:

• Allowing human islets time for recovery postisolation before shipping minimizes loss during transit.
• Extended preshipment holding periods do not adversely affect islet function.
• Optimized shipping protocols enhance the availability of high-quality islets for diabetes research.