Rat islet cell aggregates are superior to islets for transplantation in microcapsules.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes but is hampered by a shortage of donor human tissue and early failure. Research on islet cell transplantation includes finding new sources of cells and immunoisolation to protect from immune assault and tumourigenic potential. Small islet cell aggregates were studied to determine if their survival and function were superior to intact islets within microcapsules because of reduced oxygen transport limitation and inflammatory mediators.

Methods

Islet cell aggregates were generated by dispersing rat islets into single cells and allowing them to re-aggregate in culture. Rat islets and islet cell aggregates were encapsulated in barium alginate capsules and studied when cultured in low (0.5% or 2%)

SUBMITTER: O'Sullivan ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4327903 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature