LONG-TERM SURVIVAL, MORPHOLOGY AND IN VITRO FUNCTION OF ISOLATED PIG ISLETS UNDER DIFFERENT CULTURE CONDITIONS1

Abstract

Islet culture aims to optimize islet survival and to reduce islet immunogenicity. To achieve these objectives, culture periods at 37°C and 22-24°C are mainly used. This study compares the influence of donor age (juvenile vs. adult), temperature (22°C vs. 37°C), and serum supplementation (10% newborn calf serum [NCS] with 10% pig serum) on morphological integrity and in vitro function of porcine islets during long-term culture (LTC). After 21 days at 22°C, the survival rate of cultured islets isolated from juvenile donors was lower than of adult islets (23±0.9% vs. 88±2.8%, PP This study demonstrates that survival of cultured porcine islets is increased at 22°C, whereas in vitro function and viability are better preserved at 37°C. Survival at 37°C can be improved by adding homologous serum to the medium.