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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
A Method for Mouse Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Intracellular cAMP Determination
Published on: June 25, 2014
Short- and long-term effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on mouse pancreatic islet B-cell function in vitro
Abstract:
Dimethylsulfoxide has been used as a cryoprotectant for the endocrine pancreas. To explore possible harmful effects of Me2SO influenced neither glucose-stimulated insulin release, nor islet glucose oxidation. On the other hand, 1 M but not 0.25 M Me2SO decreased glucose-stimulated (pro)insulin and total protein biosynthesis in acute experiments. In islet culture experiments with Me2SO-supplemented culture media there was no obvious effects on glucose-stimulated (pro)insulin biosynthesis. It is suggested that Me2SO in the range 0.01-0.5 M does not affect islet B-cell function in vitro.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) did not harm pancreatic islet B-cell function in vitro. Higher DMSO concentrations (1 M) reduced insulin and protein biosynthesis in acute tests, but not in culture.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is utilized as a cryoprotectant for the endocrine pancreas.
- Potential cytotoxic effects of DMSO on pancreatic islet cells require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro effects of DMSO on pancreatic islet B-cell function.
- To assess DMSO's impact on glucose-stimulated insulin release and biosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Acute experiments exposing pancreatic islets to varying DMSO concentrations.
- Islet culture experiments with DMSO-supplemented media.
- Measurement of glucose-stimulated insulin release, glucose oxidation, and (pro)insulin/protein biosynthesis.
Main Results:
- DMSO concentrations from 0.01 M to 0.5 M did not affect glucose-stimulated insulin release or islet glucose oxidation.
- 1 M DMSO, but not 0.25 M, decreased glucose-stimulated (pro)insulin and total protein biosynthesis in acute experiments.
- No significant effects on glucose-stimulated (pro)insulin biosynthesis were observed in islet culture experiments.
Conclusions:
- DMSO in the range of 0.01-0.5 M appears safe for pancreatic islet B-cell function in vitro.
- Higher DMSO concentrations may impact islet cell protein synthesis, particularly in acute exposure scenarios.
