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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
A Method for Murine Islet Isolation and Subcapsular Kidney Transplantation
Published on: April 13, 2011
[Study of the effects of immunosuppressive agents on human islet cells in vitro]
Jin-Quan Cai1, Jian-Ming Tan, Wei-Ping Dong
1Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou 350025, China.
Insights
High concentrations of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and FK506 reduce insulin secretion in human islet cells. FTY720 and rapamycin show no adverse effects, suggesting potential for islet transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Islet transplantation is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes.
- Immunosuppressive agents are crucial for preventing graft rejection.
- The impact of these agents on islet cell function requires thorough investigation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the in vitro effects of four common immunosuppressive agents on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from human islet cells.
Summary:
- Human islet cells were exposed to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), FK506, FTY720, and rapamycin.
- High concentrations of MMF and FK506 significantly impaired insulin secretion (P < 0.05).
- FTY720 and rapamycin did not adversely affect insulin secretion (P > 0.05).
Impact:
- High-dose MMF and FK506 demonstrate toxicity to human islet cells.
- FTY720 and rapamycin appear safe for islet cell function, offering potential for future islet allotransplantation protocols.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of immunosuppressive agents on insulin secretion of human islet cells in vitro.
Methods:
Human islet cells were isolated by the solution of the liberase and purified by Ficoll's density gradient centrifugation and then were exposed to various concentrations of four immunosuppressive agents for 24 hr respectively. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during subsequent static incubation was measured using the human insulin ELISA kit.
Results:
Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from human islet cells was significantly reduced after exposed to high concentrations of MMF and FK506 (both P < 0.05). No significant reduction in insulin secretion was observed from human islet cells after exposed to FTY720 and rapamycin (both P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
(1) High concentrations of MMF and FK506 have deleterious effects on insulin secretion in human islet cells. Low-dose FK506 + MMF is available for clinical use. (2) FTY720 and rapamycin have no adverse effects on insulin secretion in human islet cells. FTY720 and rapamycin may become useful immunosupressants for future clinical islet allotransplantation.
