Formation of insulin-secreting, Sertoli-enriched tissue constructs by microgravity coculture of isolated pig islets and rat Sertoli cells.
Pancreatic islets, isolated from neonatal pigs, and Sertoli cells, isolated from prepubertal rats, were cocultured in simulated microgravity utilizing the NASA-developed highly accelerating, rotating vessel (HARV) biochamber. Following 5 d of incubation, three-dimensional Sertoli-islet cell aggregates (SICA) retained the ability to secrete insulin when exposed to elevated glucose. SICA contained FasL-positive Sertoli cells and insulin-positive beta-cells randomly organized within the spherical construct. The addition of 1% Matrigel induced the reorganization of aggregates (SICAs formed in the presence of Matrigel [SICAmgs]) showing the peripherialization and epithelialization of Sertoli cells and the centralization of islets in association with lumen-like spaces. The Sertoli cells, but not Matrigel, aided in preserving the structural integrity of HARV-incubated islets. Neither Matrigel nor Sertoli cells appeared to interfere with the ability of SICA or SICA mg to secrete insulin and express FasL.
Cameron
D F
DF
Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33612, USA. dcameron@hsc.usf.edu
Hushen
J J
JJ
Nazian
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D019149:Bioreactors; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013552:Swine; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration; D018474:Weightlessness Simulation
D007328:Insulin; D005947:Glucose