Co-transplantation of Human Pancreatic Islets With Post-migratory Neural Crest Stem Cells Increases beta-Cell Proliferation and Vascular And Neural Regrowth

• Context: Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are capable of substantially improving murine islet function by promoting beta-cell proliferation. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the potential of NCSCs to stimulate human beta-cell proliferation, and improve neural and vascular engraftment of human islets. Design, Setting, and Subjects: Human pancreatic islets from 18 brain-dead cadaveric donors (age range, 19-78 y) were obtained through the Nordic Network for Clinical Islet Transplantation. beta-cell proliferation and graft function was investigated at our experimental laboratory. Intervention and Main Outcome Measures: Human islets were transplanted, either alone or together with spheres of NCSCs. beta-cell proliferation, as well as islet neuralandvascular densities, were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Graft blood perfusion and oxygen tension were measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry and Clark microelectrodes, respectively. Results: Two days posttransplantation, the number of Ki67-positive beta-cells was doubled in human islets that had been exposed to NCSCs. Similar findings were obtained in vitro, as well as with EdU as proliferation marker. Four weeks posttransplantation, NCSC-exposed human islet grafts had much higher neural and vascular densities. The newly formed blood vessels were also functional, given that these human islets had a substantially higher blood perfusion and oxygen tension when compared with control transplants. Conclusion: We conclude that exposure to NCSCs stimulates human beta-cell proliferation, andthat these cells improve both the neural and vascular engraftment of transplanted human islets. NCSCs are a promising cellular therapy for translation into clinical use.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

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