ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the changes of islet cell apoptosis and oxidation-antioxidation before the transplantation, and to explore the pathways of islet protection. Methods Fifteen human pancreases were perfused with the Hanks solution containing collagenase, then digested and isolated. During the procedure, islet cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, SOD and MDA in the pancreas were measured by colorimetric method, and the morphologic changes were observed by H-E staining and dithizone staining. Results In the procedure of human islet isolation, especially in the stage of digestion, the apoptosis of human islet cells occurred. In the stages of perfusion and digestion, the MDA contents reached the high levels (6. 18 ± 2. 38 and 9. 21 ± 2. 75 umol/mg protein respectively),and the structures of the islets and tissues around the islets were damaged. Conclusion In the stages of perfusion and digestion, apoptosis of islet cells can be caused by oxidation. It suggests that antioxidation is a pathway for protection of islets before transplantation.