earticle

영어

The immunoisolation not only allows for successful transplantation of cells in the absence of immunosuppression but also for transplantation of cells from nonhuman origin. Microcapsules have been one of the most intensively studied extravascular devices because of the spherical shape and mechanical stability. However, it is reported that there may be some limitations for the microcapsules due to oxygen shortage and reduced diffusion capacity. Thus, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of exendin-4 on the viability and insulin secretion of microencapsulated islets. Pancreatic islets were isolated from male Sprague–Dawley rats and the exendin-4 was transduced into the islets. Microcapsules were prepared using an electrostatic bead generator. Microencapsulation of the untrasnduced islets was considered as control and the exendin-transduced one was regarded as test group. The mechanical stability of the microcapsules was determined using an osmotic pressure test and a rotational stress test. The viability and the insulin secretion stimulated by glucose were measured. After islet transplantation of the encapsulated islets, animals’ body weight and blood glucose levels of encapsulated islet recipients were monitored daily.It was shown that the exendin-4 transduced islets showed higher viability when compared with the control. Both groups were able to produce the insulin from the glucose challenge and the absolute amount of secreted insulin was higher in the test group. It may be suggested that the transduction of exendin-4 may be considered for the microencapsulation procedure to enhance the viability and the insulin secretion from the islets.