Effect of different collagenase digestion protocols on the yield and function of adult rat islets

ABSTRACT

A comparison was performed among 4 different digestion techniques of adult rat pancreas, with a trial to reduce both the concentration of collagenase [1 mg/mg], the time of digestion [10 min] and the use of NYcodenz as density gradient medium. It was concluded that to obtain a high yield of islets, pancreas distension and stationary digestion technique are more recommended than mincing or multiple injections with Hank's solution or collagenase. About 500 islets per rat pancreas could be obtained after 20 min incubation, but the shorter the incubation period the better long-term function of cultured islets. Islets resulted after short-time digestion are not suitable for immediate transplantation because of contamination with some exocrine tissue, but suit long-term culture and transplantation after culture