Islet isolation from the pancreas after pancreatectomy. Indications, methodology, evaluation of results

Aim. To develop and implement a method for isolating the islets of Langerhans from pancreatic tissue after pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation.

Materials and Methods. The study used ten Wiesenau miniature pig pancreases, 30 Wistar rat pancreases, eight resected human pancreases, and five human pancreases from extensive resection or pancreatectomy.

Results. Islets of Langerhans completely devoid of human and experimental animals’ acinar tissue were obtained. When using the protocol for mechanical isolation, the efficiency of isolating the islets of Langerhans in humans and experimental animals was 50%. The research proved that the isolated cells belonged to the islets of Langerhans. Additionally, their purity was confirmed. The survival of the isolated islets exceeded 90%. The enzyme immunoassay for insulin synthesis showed that the isolated islets of Langerhans remained functionally active. The sterility of the isolated islet cells was confirmed.

Conclusion. This proven isolation technology makes it possible to obtain pure, sterile, viable, and functionally active islet cells suitable for further autotransplantation.

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