title: beta-Cell specific cytoprotection by prolactin on human islets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many cytoprotective agents have been reported to improve islet isolation and transplantation outcomes. However, several of these agents improve all cell subsets within an islet preparation; selection of non-beta-cell components (eg, acinar cells) may have a negative effect on beta-cell function and survival. In this study, we examined the effect of prolactin (PRL) supplementation in the culture medium to determine whether it exerted beta-cell-selective cytoprotection on islet viability and function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human islets were precultured with or without recombinant human PRL (500 microg/L) for 48 hours. The fractional viability and cellular composition of non-beta-cell and beta-cell-specific components were assessed using FACS and Laser Scanning Cytometry (LSC). Islet potency was assessed in vivo by transplantation into chemically induced diabetic immunodeficient mice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The relative viable beta-cell mass and the relative islet beta-cell content in the PRL group were 28% higher (P = .018) and 19% higher (P = .029) than the control group, respectively. All transplanted mice achieved normoglycemia in both groups, indicating that PRL treatment did not alter islet function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PRL treatment improved beta-cell-specific viability and survival of human islets in vitro. The development of novel beta-cell-specific cytoprotective strategies may be of assistance in improving islet transplantation.
authors: Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Yamamoto
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Ricordi
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Mita
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Miki
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Sakuma
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Molano
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Fornoni
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pileggi
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Inverardi
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Ichii
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000601:surgery*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000637:transplantation; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D011388:Prolactin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin