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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Human Pancreatic Islet Isolation: Part I: Digestion and Collection of Pancreatic Tissue
Published on: May 26, 2009
New methods for improving pancreas preservation
Mohamed A Elzawahry1, Trevor Reichman2, Andrew Sutherland3
1Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Transplant Centre, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Purpose Of Review:
Pancreas and islet transplantation face critical organ shortage challenges, with many potential grafts discarded due to concerns about consequences of ischemia-reperfusion injury, particularly from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors. Static cold storage remains standard practice but has significant limitations. Novel preservation technologies may improve transplant outcomes, donor selection and even expand the donor pool.
Recent Findings:
Normothermic regional perfusion in DCD donors has increased pancreas utilization with promising one-year graft survival comparable to donation after brain-death (DBD) donors. Hypothermic machine perfusion maintains tissue integrity and shows promising preclinical results. Oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion successfully restores tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels without notable tissue injury. Normothermic machine perfusion, despite challenges, offers potential for viability assessment and resuscitation.
Summary:
Advanced preservation technologies provide platforms for assessment, reconditioning, and therapeutic interventions for pancreas grafts. Clinical translation requires consensus on perfusion parameters and perfusate composition optimized for pancreatic preservation. Future developments should focus on implementing sensitive and specific assessment methods, including beta-cell specific biomarkers, to confidently select and utilize marginal pancreas grafts for transplantation.
