An alternative and simple method to consistently prepare viable isolated human islets for clinical transplantation

Bugliani, M; Lupi, R; Del Guerra, S; Boggi, U; Marselli, L; Sbrana, S; Vistoli, F; Torri, S; Del Chiaro, M; Signori, S; Filipponi, F; Del Prato, S; Campa, M; Corsini, V; Campatelli, A; Di Candio, F; Mosca, F; Marchetti, P

doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.02.047

« Previous Next »Transplantation Proceedings
Volume 36, Issue 3 , Pages 605-606, April 2004

An alternative and simple method to consistently prepare viable isolated human islets for clinical transplantation☆

M Bugliani
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
R Lupi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Del Guerra
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
U Boggi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
L Marselli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Sbrana
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
F Vistoli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Torri
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
M Del Chiaro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Signori
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
F Filipponi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
S Del Prato
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
M Campa
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
V Corsini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
A Campatelli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
F Di Candio
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
F Mosca
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
P Marchetti
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, Department of Oncology, Transplant Unit, and Department of Bioscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Address reprint requests to Piero Marchetti, MD, Dipartimento di Endocrinologia e Metabolismo, Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Medicina del Lavoro (Sezione Metabolismo), via Paradisa 2, Ospedale Cisanello, 56100 Pisa - Italy tel +39.050.995101 fax +39.050.541521

Abstract

We describe a method to consistently prepare human islets for transplantation. By combining a simple collagenase digestion method and a density gradient purification system, we were able to obtain successful isolations (≥200,000 islet equivalents, ≥50% purity) in 69% of processed glands. No reagent of animal source was used. Isolated islets were morphologically well maintained and functionally competent, with sterility confirmed in 97% of cases. Two patients were transplanted with islets prepared by this method; graft function was demonstrated for a few months. Improved simplicity and consistency, together with adequate quality of the preparations, are the main features of this isolation method.