title: An alternative and simple method to consistently prepare viable isolated human islets for clinical transplantation.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Metabolic Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bugliani
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lupi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Del Guerra
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Boggi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marselli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sbrana
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vistoli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Torri
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Del Chiaro
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Signori
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Filipponi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Del Prato
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campa
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Corsini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Campatelli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Candio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mosca
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marchetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology*; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome