Pancreatic Ductal Perfusion at Organ Procurement Enhances Islet Yield in Human Islet Isolation

Abstract

Objective Pancreas preservation is a major factor influencing the results of islet cell transplantation. This study evaluated the effects of two different solutions for pancreatic ductal perfusion (PDP) at organ procurement. Methods Eighteen human pancreases were assigned to three groups: non-PDP (control), PDP with ET-Kyoto solution, and PDP with cold storage/purification stock solution. Pancreatic islets were isolated according to the modified Ricordi method. Results No significant differences in donor characteristics, including cold ischemia time, were observed between the three groups. All islet isolations in the PDP groups had >400,000 IEQ in total islet yield post-purification, a significant increase when compared with the control (P = 0.04 and <0.01). The islet quality assessments—including an in vivo diabetic nude mice assay and the response of high-mobility group box protein 1 to cytokine stimulation—also showed no significant differences. The proportion of TUNEL-positive cells showing apoptosis in islets in the PDP groups was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both ET-Kyoto solution and cold storage/purification stock solution are suitable for PDP and consistently resulted in isolation success. Further studies with a larger number of pancreas donors should be done to compare the effects of the PDP solutions.

Recent Progress in Clinical Islet Transplantation

“…However, since the number of islet cells transplanted is a major factor in successful transplantation, continued efforts have been directed at improving islet yield and maintaining islet function prior to transplantation. Takita et al [30] reported that pancreatic ductal perfusion at the time of pancreas procurement enhanced islet yield in human islet isolations. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can also provide a supporting environment to protect islet cells or improve engraftment.…”