Fentanyl inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin release from β-cells in rat pancreatic islets

AIM： TO explore the effects of fentanyl on insulin release from freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets in static culture. METHODS： Islets were isolated from the pancreas of mature Sprague Dawley rats by common bile duct intraductal collagenase V digestion and were purified by discontinuous Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. The islets were divided into four groups according to the fentanyl concentration： control group （0 ng/mL）, group I （0.3 ng/mL）, group I （3.0 ng/mL）, and group III （30 ng/mL）. In each group, the islets were co-cultured for 48 h with drugs under static conditions with fentanyl alone, fentanyl ＋ 0.1 μg/mL naloxone or fentanyl ＋ 1.0 μg/mL naloxone. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Insulin release in response to low and high concentrations （2.8 mmol/L and 16.7 mmol/L, respectively） of glucose was investigated and electron microscopy morphological assessment was performed. RESULTS： Low- and high-glucose-stimulated insulin release in the control group was significantly higher than in groups I and II （62.33 ± 9.67 μIU vs 47.75 ± 8.47 μIU, 39.67 ± 6.18 μIU and 125.5 ± 22.04 μIU vs 96.17 ± 14.17 μIU, 75.17 ± 13.57 μIU, respectively, P 〈 0.01） and was lowest in group III （P 〈 0.01）. After adding 1 μg/mL naloxone, insulin release in groups II and II was not different from the control group. Electron microscopy studies showed that the islets were damaged by 30 ng/ml fentanyl. CONCLUSION： Fentanyl inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin release from rat islets, which could be prevented by naloxone. Higher concentrations of fentanyl significantly damaged β-cells of rat islets.

Implanting 1.1B4 human β-cell pseudoislets improves glycaemic control in diabetic severe combined immune deficient mice

AIM To investigate the potential of implanting pseudoislets formed from human insulin-releasing β-cell lines as an alternative to islet transplantation. METHODS In this study, the anti-diabetic potential of novel human insulin releasing 1.1B4 β-cells was evaluated by implanting the cells, either as free cell suspensions, or as three-dimensional pseudoislets, into the subscapular region of severe combined immune deficient mice rendered diabetic by single high-dose administration of streptozotocin. Metabolic parameters including food and fluid intake, bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study animals were given an intraperitoneal glucosetolerance test. Animals were then culled and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Insulin and glucagon contents of plasma and tissues were measured by insulin radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay respectively. Histological analyses of pancreatic islets were carried out by quantitative fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS Both pseudoislet and cell suspension implants yielded well vascularised β-cell masses of similar insulin content. This was associated with progressive amelioration of hyperphagia(P < 0.05), polydipsia(P < 0.05), body weight loss(P < 0.05), hypoinsulinaemia(P < 0.05), hyperglycaemia(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and glucose tolerance(P < 0.01). Islet morphology was also significantly improved in both groups of transplanted mice, with increased β-cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) and decreased alpha cell(P < 0.05- P < 0.001) areas. Whereas mice receiving 1.1B4 cell suspensions eventually exhibited hypoglycaemic complications, pseudoislet recipients displayed a more gradual amelioration of diabetes, and achieved stable blood glucose control similar to non-diabetic mice at the end of the study. CONCLUSION Although further work is needed to address safety issues, these results provide proof of concept for possible therapeutic applicability of human β-cell line pseudoislets in diabetes.

Mannogalactoglucan from mushrooms protects pancreatic islets via restoring UPR and promotes insulin secretion in TIDM mice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) lacks insulin secretion due to autoimmune deficiency of pancreaticβ-cells.Protecting pancreatic islets and enhancing insulin secretion has been therapeutic approaches.Mannogalactoglucan is the main type of polysaccharide from natural mushroom,which has potential medicinal prospects.Nevertheless,the antidiabetic property of mannogalactoglucan in T1DM has not been fully elucidated.In this study,we obtained the neutral fraction of alkali-soluble Armillaria mellea polysaccharide(AAMP-N) with the structure of mannogalactoglucan from the fruiting body of A.mellea and investigated the potential therapeutic value of AAMP-N in T1DM.We demonstrated that AAMP-N lowered blood glucose and improved diabetes symptoms in T1DM mice.AAMP-N activated unfolded protein response(UPR) signaling pathway to maintain ER protein folding homeostasis and promote insulin secretion in vivo.Besides that,AAMP-N promoted insulin synthesis via upregulating the expression of transcription factors,increased Ca^(2+) signals to stimulate intracellular insulin secretory vesicle transport via activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅱ(CamkⅡ) and cAMP/PKA signals,and enhanced insulin secretory vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane via vesicle-associated membrane protein 2(VAMP2).Collectively,these studies demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of AAMP-N on pancreatic islets function,indicating that mannogalactoglucan could be natural nutraceutical used for the treatment of T1DM.

Regenerative medicine of pancreatic islets

The pancreas became one of the first objects of regenerative medicine,since other possibilities of dealing with the pancreatic endocrine insufficiency were clearly exhausted.The number of people living with diabetes mellitus is currently approaching half a billion,hence the crucial relevance of new methods to stimulate regeneration of the insulin-secretingβ-cells of the islets of Langerhans.Natural restrictions on the islet regeneration are very tight;nevertheless,the islets are capable of physiological regeneration viaβ-cell self-replication,direct differentiation of multipotent progenitor cells and spontaneousα-toβ-orδ-toβ-cell conversion(trans-differentiation).The existing preclinical models ofβ-cell dysfunction or ablation(induced surgically,chemically or genetically)have significantly expanded our understanding of reparative regeneration of the islets and possible ways of its stimulation.The ultimate goal,sufficient level of functional activity ofβ-cells or their substitutes can be achieved by two prospective broad strategies:β-cell replacement andβ-cell regeneration.The“regeneration”strategy aims to maintain a preserved population ofβ-cells through in situ exposure to biologically active substances that improveβ-cell survival,replication and insulin secretion,or to evoke the intrinsic adaptive mechanisms triggering the spontaneous non-β-toβ-cell conversion.The“replacement”strategy implies transplantation ofβ-cells(as non-disintegrated pancreatic material or isolated donor islets)orβ-like cells obtained ex vivo from progenitors or mature somatic cells(for example,hepatocytes orα-cells)under the action of small-molecule inducers or by genetic modification.We believe that the huge volume of experimental and clinical studies will finally allow a safe and effective solution to a seemingly simple goal-restoration of the functionally activeβ-cells,the innermost hope of millions of people globally.

Encapsulated islets transplantation: Past, present and future

Islet transplantation could become an ideal treatment for severe diabetes to prevent hypoglycemia shock and irreversible diabetic complications, once some of the major and unresolved obstacles are overcome, including limited donor supplies and side effects caused by permanent immunosuppressant use. Approximately 30 years ago, some groups succeeded in improving the blood glucose of diabetic animals by transplanting encapsulated islets with semi-permeable membranes consisting of polymer. A semi-permeable membrane protects both the inner islets from mechanical stress and the recipient’s immune system (both cellular and humoral immunities), while allowing bidirectional diffusion of nutrients, oxygen, glucose, hormones and wastes, i.e., immune-isolation. This device, which enables immune-isolation, is called encapsulated islets or bio-artificial pancreas. Encapsulation with a semipermeable membrane can provide some advantages: (1) this device protects transplanted cells from the recipient’s immunity even if the xenogeneic islets (from large animals such as pig) or insulin-producing cells are derived from cells that have the potential for differentiation (some kinds of stem cells). In other words, the encapsulation technique can resolve the problem of limited donor supplies; and (2) encapsulation can reduce or prevent chronic administration of immunosuppressants and, therefore, important side effects otherwise induced by immunosuppressants. And now, many novel encapsulated islet systems have been developed and are being prepared for testing in a clinical setting.

Facilitating effects of berberine on rat pancreatic islets through modulating hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha expression and glucokinase activity

AIM： To observe the effect of berberine on insulin secretion in rat pancreatic islets and to explore its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS： Pdmary rat islets were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats by collagenase digestion and treated with different concentrations （1, 3, 10 and 30 μmol/L） of berberine or 1 μmol/L Glibenclamide （GB） for 24 h. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion （GSIS） assay was conducted and insulin was determined by radioimmunoassay. 3-（4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl）- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. The mRNA level of hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha （HAIF4α） was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Indirect immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were employed to detect protein expression of HNF4α in the islets. Glucokinase （GK） activity was measured by spectrophotometric method. RESULTS： Berberine enhanced GSIS rather than basal insulin secretion dose-dependently in rat islets and showed no significant cytotoxicity on islet cells at the concentration of 10 μmol/L. Both mRNA and protein expressions of HNF4α were up-regulated by berberine in a dose-dependent manner, and GK activity was also increased accordingly. However, GB demonstrated no regulatory effects on HNF4α expression or GK activity. CONCLUSION： Berberine can enhance GSIS in rat islets, and probably exerts the insulinotropic effect via a pathway involving HNF4α and GK, which is distinct from sulphonylureas （SUs）.

Influence of heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer on the viability and function of rat islets in in vitro culture

AIM. To investigate the influence of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） gene transfer on the viability and function of cultured rat islets in vitro. METHODS： Islets were isolated from the pancreata of Sprague-Dawley rats by intraductal collagenase digestion, and purified by discontinuous Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Purified rat islets were transfected with adenoviral vectors containing human HO-1 gene （Ad- HO-1） or enhanced green fluorescent protein gene （Ad- EGFP）, and then cultured for seven days. Transfection was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and Western blot. Islet viability was evaluated by acridine orange/ propidium iodide fluorescent staining. Glucose-stimulated insulin release was detected using insulin radioimmunoassay kits and was used to assess the function of islets. Stimulation index （SI） was calculated by dividing the insulin release upon high glucose stimulation by the insulin release upon low glucose stimulation. RESULTS： After seven days culture, the viability of cultured rat islets decreased significantly （92% ± 6% vs 52% ± 13%, P 〈 0.05）, and glucose-stimulated insulin release also decreased significantly （6.47 ± 0.55 mIU/ L/30IEO vs 4.57 ± 0.40 mIU/L/3OIEO., 14.93 ± 1.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 9.63 ± 0.71 mIU/L/30IEQ, P 〈 0.05）. Transfection of rat islets with adenoviral vectors at an 1±10 of 20 was efficient, and did not impair islet function. At 7 d post-transfection, the viability of Ad-HO-1 transfected islets was higher than that of control islets（71% ± 15% vs 52% ± 13%, P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in insulin release upon low glucose stimulation （2.8 mmol/L） among Ad-HO-1 transfected group, Ad-EGFP transfected group, and control group （P 〉 0.05）, while when stimulated by high glucose （16.7 mmol/L） solution, insulin release in Ad-HO-1 transfected group was significantly higher than that in Ad-EGFP transfected group and control group, respectively （12.50 ±2.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 8.87 ± 0.65 mIU/L/30IEQ, 12.50 ± 2.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 9.63 ± 0.71 mIU/L/30IEQ, P 〈 0.05）. The SI of Ad-HO-1 transfected group was also significantly higher than that of Ad-EGFP transfected group and control group, respectively （2.21 ± 0.02 vs 2.08 ± 0.05; 2.21 ± 0.02 vs 2.11 ± 0.03, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The viability and function of rat islets decrease over time in in vitro culture, and heine oxygenase-1 gene transfer could improve the viability and function of cultured rat islets.

Survival of encapsulated islets: More than a membrane story

At present, proven clinical treatments but no cures are available for diabetes, a global epidemic with a huge economic burden. Transplantation of islets ofLangerhans by their infusion into vascularized organs is an experimental clinical protocol, the first approach to attain cure. However, it is associated with lifelong use of immunosuppressants. To overcome the need for immunosuppression, islets are encapsulated and separated from the host immune system by a permselective membrane. The lead material for this application is alginate which was tested in many animal models and a few clinical trials. This review discusses all aspects related to the function of transplanted encapsulated islets such as the basic requirements from a permselective membrane(e.g., allowable hydrodynamic radii, implications of the thickness of the membrane and relative electrical charge). Another aspect involves adequate oxygen supply, which is essential for survival/performance of transplanted islets, especially when using large retrievable macrocapsules implanted in poorly oxygenated sites like the subcutis. Notably, islets can survive under low oxygen tension and are physiologically active at > 40 Torr. Surprisingly, when densely crowded, islets are fully functional under hyperoxic pressure of up to 500 Torr(> 300% of atmospheric oxygen tension). The review also addresses an additional category of requirements for optimal performance of transplanted islets, named auxiliary technologies. These include control of inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the intra-capsular environment. The review highlights that curing diabetes with a functional bio-artificial pancreas requires optimizing all of these aspects, and that significant advances have already been made in many of them.

Bone marrow cells produce nerve growth factor and promote angiogenesis around transplanted islets

AIM:To clarify the mechanism by which bone marrow cells promote angiogenesis around transplanted islets.METHODS: Streptozotocin induced diabetic BALB/ c mice were transplanted syngeneically under the kidney capsule with the following: (1) 200 islets (islet group: n=12), (2) 1-5×106 bone marrow cells (bone marrow group: n=11), (3) 200 islets and 1-5×106 bone marrow cells (islet + bone marrow group: n= 13), or (4) no cells (sham group:n=5). All mice were evaluated for blood glucose, serum insulin, serum nervegrowth factor (NGF) and glucose tolerance (GTT) up to postoperative day (POD) 14. Histological assessment for insulin, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and NGF was performed at POD 3, 7 and 14.RESULTS: Blood glucose level was lowest and serum insulin was highest in the islet + bone marrow group. Serum NGF increased in islet, bone marrow, and islet + bone marrow groups after transplantation, and there was a significant difference (P=0.0496, ANOVA) between the bone marrow and sham groups. The number of vessels within the graft area was signif icantly increased in both the bone marrow and islet + bone marrow groups at POD 14 as compared to the islet alone group (21.2 ± 3.6 in bone marrow, P=0.01, vs islet group, 22.6 ± 1.9 in islet + bone marrow, P = 0.0003, vs islet group, 5.3 ± 1.6 in islet-alone transplants). NGF was more strongly expressed in bone marrow cells compared with islets. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow cells produce NGF and promote angiogenesis. Islet co-transplantation with bone marrow is associated with improvement of islet graft function.

Elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor production and its effect on revascularization and function of graft islets in diabetic rats

AIM: To determine whether the elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression produced by the transfected vascular endothelial cells (VECs) could stimulate angiogenesis of the graft islets and exert its effect on the graft function. METHODS: Thirty diabetic recipient rats were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group). In the control group,300 IEQ islets were transplanted in each rat under the capsule of the right kidney,which were considered as marginal grafts. In the VEC group,VEC together with the islets were transplanted in each rat. In the VEGF group,VEC transfected by pIRES2-EGFP/ VEGF165 plasmid and the islets were transplanted in each rat. Blood glucose and insulin levels were evaluated every other day after operation. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed 10 d after the transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histological features of the graft islets. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect insulin-6,VEGF and CD34 (MVD) expression in the graft islets. RESULTS: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the VEGF group restored to normal 3 d after transplantation. In contrast,diabetic rats receiving the same islets with or without normal VECs displayed moderate hyperglycemia and insulin,without a significant difference between these two groups. IVGTT showed that both the amplitude of blood glucose induction and the kinetics of blood glucose in the VEGF group restored to normal after transplantation. H&E and immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of a large amount of graft islets under the capsule of the kidney,which were positively stained with insulin-6 and VEGF antibodies in the VEGF group. In the cell masses,CD34-stained VECs were observed. The similar masses were also seen in the other two groups,but with a fewer positive cells stained with insulin-6 and CD34 antibodies. No VEGF-positive cells appeared in these groups. Microvessel density (MVD) was significantly higher in the VEGF group compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated VEGF production by trans-fected vascular endothelial cells in the site of islet transplantation stimulates angiogenesis of the islet grafts. The accelerated islet revascularization in early stage could improve the outcome of islet transplantation,and enhance the graft survival.

Prevention of central cell damage to isolated islets of Langerhans in hamsters by low temperature preconditioning

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of clinical islet transplanta- tion has been demonstrated with autografts, and although islet allografts have established insulin independence in a small number of IDDM patients, the treatment is con- founded by the necessity of central cell damage immuno- suppression, the lack of donor tissue, and recurring islet immunogenicity. These limitations underscore a need to develop therapies to serve the large population of diabetic patients. This study was designed to document central cell damage to isolated islets of Langerhans in hamsters and its prevention. METHODS: Islets were cultured at 37 °C for 7-14 days after isolation, and then at 26 °C for 2,4 and 7 days before addi- tional culture at 37 °C for an additional 7 days. Central cell damage in the isolated islets was monitored by video-mi- croscopy and analyzed quantitatively by a computer-assis- ted image analysis system. The analysis included daily measurement of the diameter and the area of the isolated is- lets and the area of the central cell damage that developed in those islets over time during culture. Histological exami- nation and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to characterize cell damage and to monitor islet function. RESULTS; Microscopic analysis showed that during the 7 to 14 days of culture at 37 °C, central cell damage appeared in the larger islets with diameters greater than 200 μm, which included both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Low temperature (26 °C) culture prevented central cell damage of isolated islets. The 7-day culture procedure at 26 °C could inhibit most of the central cell ( excluding diameters greater than 300 μm) damage when the islets were re- warmed to 37 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that central cell da- mage to isolated islets of Langerhans correlates with the size of the islets. Low temperature (26 °C) culture can preventcentral cell damage to the isolated islets, and is capable to successfully precondition these islets for 37 °C culture. These novel findings may help to understand the patho- physiology of early loss of islet tissue after transplantation, and may provide a new strategy to improve graft function in the clinical setting of islet transplantation.

Adult islets cultured in collagen gel transdifferentiate into duct-like cells

AIM: To establish a model of islet-ductal cell transdifferen-tiation to identify the transdifferentiated cells. METHODS: Collagen was extracted from rat tail at first. Purified rat islets were divided into three groups, embedded in collagen gel and incubated respectively in DMEM/F12 alone (control group), DMEM/F12 plus epidermal growth factor (EGF), DMEM/F12 plus EGF and cholera toxin (CT). Transdifferentiation was proved by microscopy, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and RIA. RESULTS: Islets embedded in collagen gel plus EGF and CT were cystically transformed and could express new gene cytokeratin 19 while still maintaining the expression of insulin and Pdx-1 genes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the protein of cytokeratin 19 was only expressed in the third group. The insulin content secreted by islets in the third group decreased significantly during the transdiffe-rentiation. CONCLUSION: CT is a crucial factor for the islet-ductal cell transdifferentiation.

Intra-islet endothelial cell and β-cell crosstalk: Implication for islet cell transplantation

The intra-islet microvasculature is a critical interface between the blood and islet endocrine cells governing a number of cellular and pathophysiological processes associated with the pancreatic tissue. A growing body of evidence indicates a strong functional and physical interdependency of β-cells with endothelial cells(ECs), the building blocks of islet microvasculature. Intra-islet ECs, actively regulate vascular permeability and appear to play a role in fine-tuning blood glucose sensing and regulation. These cells also tend to behave as "guardians", controlling the expression and movement of a number of important immune mediators, thereby strongly contributing to the physiology of islets. This review will focus on the molecular signalling and crosstalk between the intra-islet ECs and β-cells and how their relationship can be a potential target for intervention strategies in islet pathology and islet transplantation.

Intracerebral xenotransplantation of semipermeable membrane- encapsuled pancreatic islets

AIM： To identify the decreasing effect of xenotransplantion in combination with privileged sites on rejection and death of biological semipermeable membrane-（BSM） encapsulated implanted islets. METHODS： After the BSM experiment in vitro, BSM- encapsulated SD rat＇s islet-like cell clusters （ICCs） were xenotransplanted into normal dog＇s brain. Morphological changes were observed under light and transmission electron microscope. The islets and apoptosis of implanted B cells were identified by insulin-TONEL double staining. RESULTS： The BSM used in our study had a favorable permeability, some degree of rigidity, lighter foreign body reaction and toxicity. The grafts consisted of epithelioid cells and loose connective tissue. Severe infiltration of inflammatory cells was not observed. The implanted ICCs were identified 2 mo later and showed typical apoptosis. CONCLUSION： BSM xenotransplantation in combination with the privileged site can inhibit the rejection of implanted heterogeneous ICCs, and death of implanted heterogeneous B cells is associated with apoptosis. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relationship between Free Thyroxine and Islet Beta-cell Function in Euthyroid Subjects

Thyroid hormones have a specific effect on glucose-induced insulin secretion from the pancreas.We aimed to investigate the association between euthyroid hormones and islet betacell function in general population and non-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients.A total of 5089 euthyroid participants(including 4601 general population and 488 non-treated T2DM patients)were identified from a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in East China from February 2014 to June 2016.Anthropometric indices,biochemical parameters,and thyroid hormones were measured.Compared with general population,non-treated T2DM patients exhibited higher total thyroxine(TT4)and free thyroxine(FT4)levels but lower ratio of free triiodothyronine(T3):T4(P<0.01).HOMA-βhad prominently negative correlation with FT4 and positive relationship with free T3:T4 in both groups even after adjusting for age,body mass index(BMI)and smoking.When analyzed by quartiles of FT4 or free T3:T4,there were significantly decreased trend of HOMA-β going with the higher FT4 and lower free T3:T4 in both groups.Linear regression analysis showed that FT4 but not FT3 and free T3:T4 was negatively associated with HOMA-β no matter in general population or T2DM patients,which was independent of age,BMI,smoking,hypertension and lipid profiles.FT4 is independently and negatively associated with islet beta-cell function in euthyroid subjects.Thyroid hormone even in reference range could play an important role in the function of pancreatic islets.

γ-aminobutyric acid secreted from isletβ-cells modulates exocrine secretion in rat pancreas

AIM： To investigate the role of endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） in pancreatic exocrine secretion. METHODS： The isolated, vascularly perfused rat pancreas was employed in this study to eliminate the possible influences of extrinsic nerves and hormones. Cholecystokinin （CCK; 10 pmol/L） was intra-arterially given to stimulate exocrine secretion of the pancreas. RESULTS： Glutamine, a major precursor of GABA, which was given intra-arterially at concentrations of 1, 4 and 10 mmol/L, dose-dependently elevated the CCK-stimulated secretions of fluid and amylase in the normal pancreas. Bicuculline （10 μmol/L）, a GABAA receptor antagonist, blocked the enhancing effect of glutamine （4 mmol/L） on the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretions. Glutamine, at concentrations of 1, 4 and 10 mmol/L, dose-dependently increased the GABA concentration in portal effluent of the normal pancreas. The effects of glutamine on the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretion as well as the GABA secretion were markedly reduced in the streptozotocintreated pancreas. CONCLUSION： GABA could be secreted from β-cells into the isletoacinar portal system after administration of glutainine, and could enhance the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretion through GABAA receptors. Thus, GABA in islet β-cells is a hormone modulating pancreatic exocrine secretion.

Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 on PDX-1, PAX-6 and NKx2.2 Gene Expressions in Isolated Pancreatic Islets

Objective： To observe the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 （GLP-1） on the gene expressions of transcription factors （PDX-1, PAX-6 and NKx2.2 ） in freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets and investigate the associated physiological and therapeutic implication of GLP-1. Methods： The isolated rat islets were incubated with 10 nmol/L GLP-1 for 1, 3 and 5 days, respectively. Total cellular RNA was extracted and the expressions of PDX-1, PAX-6 and NKx2.2 gene were detected by semiquantity RT-PCR. Results： Compared with the control group, the PDX-1, PAX-6 and NKx2.2 gene expressions were significantly increased after co-cultured with GLP-1 for 1 day （P 〈 0.05）. The effect was shown in a time-dependent manner. All three gene expressions reached the peak on the 5th day. Conclusion： GLP-1 can improve the function of pancreatic islet by regulating the gene expressions of transcription factors in β cells.

Macro-or microencapsulation of pig islets to cure type 1 diabetes

Although allogeneic islet transplantation can successfully cure type 1 diabetes,it has limited applicability.For example,organs are in short supply;several human pancreas donors are often needed to treat one diabetic recipient;the intrahepatic site may not be the most appropriate site for islet implantation;and immunosuppressive regimens,which are associated with side effects,are often required to prolong survival of the islet graft.An alternative source of insulinproducing cells would therefore be of major interest.Pigs represent a possible alternative source of beta cells.Grafting of pig islets may appear difficult because of the immunologic species barrier,but pig islets have been shown to function in primates for at least 6 mo with clinically incompatible immunosuppression.Therefore,a bioartificial pancreas made of encapsulated pig islets may resolve issues associated with islet allotransplantation.Although several groups have shown that encapsulated pig islets are functional in small-animal models,less is known about the use of bioartificial pancreases in large-animal models.In this review,we summarize current knowledge of encapsulated pig islets,to determine obstacles to implantation in humans and possible solutions to overcome these obstacles.

ATP Synthase β-subunit Abnormality in Pancreas Islets of Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study investigated the abnormal expression of ATP synthase β-subunit（ATPsyn-β） in pancreas islets of rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome（PCOS） with type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）,and the secretion function changes after up-regulation of ATP5 b.Sixty female SD rats were divided into three groups randomly and equally.The rat model of PCOS with T2 DM was established by free access to the high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet,subcutaneous injections of DHEA,and a single injection of streptozotocin.The pancreas was removed for the detection of the ATPsyn-β expression by immunohistochemical staining,Western blotting and reverse transcription-PCR（RT-PCR）.The pancreas islets of the rats were cultured,isolated with collagenase Ⅴ and purified by gradient centrifugation,and the insulin secretion after treatment with different glucose concentrations was tested.Lentivirus ATP5 b was successfully constructed with the vector of GV208 and transfected into the pancreas islets for the over-expression of ATPsyn-β.The insulin secretion and intracellular ATP content were determined after transfection of the PCOS-T2 DM pancreas islets with Lenti-ATP5 b.The results showed that the expression of ATPsyn-β protein and m RNA was significantly decreased in the pancreas of PCOS-T2 DM rats.The ATP content in the pancreas islets was greatly increased and the insulin secretion was improved after the up-regulation of ATPsyn-β in the pancreas islets transfected with lenti-ATP5 b.These results indicated that for PCOS,the ATPsyn-β might be one of the key factors for the attack of T2 DM.

Prevention of core cell damage in isolated islets of Langerhans by low temperature preconditioning

AIM: To study the core cell damage in isolated islets of Langerhans and its prevention by low temperature preconditioning (26 ℃).METHODS: Islets were cultured at 37 ℃ for 7-14 d after isolation, and then at 26 ℃ for 2, 4 and 7 d before additional culture at 37 ℃ for another 7 d. Core cell damage in the isolated islets was monitored by video-microscopy and analyzed quantitatively by use of a computer-assisted image analysis system. The analysis included daily measurement of the diameter and the area of the isolated islets and the area of the core cell damage that developed in those islets over time during culture. Histology and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to characterize the cell damage and to monitor islet function.RESULTS: Microscopic analysis showed that during the 7 to 14 d of culture at 37 ℃, core cell damage occurred in the larger islets with diameters ＞200 μm, which included both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Low temperature (26 ℃) culture could prevent core cell damage of isolated islets. The 7-d culture procedure at 26 ℃ could inhibit most of the core cell (excluding diameters＞300 μm) damages when the islets were re-warmed at 37 ℃.CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that core cell damage within isolated islets of Langerhans correlates with the size of islets. Low temperature (26 ℃) culture can prevent core cell damage in isolated islets, and successfully precondition these islets for incubation at 37 ℃. These novel findings may help to understand the pathophysiology of early loss of islet tissue after transplantation, and may provide a new strategy to improve graft function in the clinical setting of islet transplantation.