Simplified method for cryopreservation of islets using hydroxyethyl starch and dimethyl sulfoxide as cryoprotectants

M. Maruyama, T. Kenmochi, K. Sakamoto, S. Arita, C. Iwashita, H. Kashiwabara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cryopreservation is an ideal method for long-term storage of human islets. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used as an intracellular cryoprotectant. However, because of its toxicity, DMSO has to be added stepwise and diluted stepwise with sucrose. We combined hydroxyethyl starch (HES) as an extracellular cryoprotectant with DMSO to simplify the freeze-thawing procedure. Islets were isolated from the pancreas of beagle dogs by an automated digestion method and Ficoll purification. After overnight culture, the islets were cryogeneically stored using cooling by a programmed freezing system. After 4-week storage in liquid nitrogen, the container was rapidly thawed in a 37°C water bath. The function of the islets was assessed upon static incubation immediately after thawing, showing a recovery rate of 71.16% ± 20.14% and a stimulation index of 1.80 ± 0.78. In conclusion use of HES allowed a decrease in DMSO concentration and simplified the freeze-thawing procedure for islets.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1133-1134
Number of pages2
JournalTransplantation Proceedings
Volume36
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 05-2004
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surgery
  • Transplantation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Simplified method for cryopreservation of islets using hydroxyethyl starch and dimethyl sulfoxide as cryoprotectants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this