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Pancreatic Islet Isolation pp 25–34Cite as

Isolation of Mouse Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans

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Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 938))

Abstract

The aim of any pancreatic islet isolation is obtaining pure, viable and functional pancreatic islets, either for in vitro or in vivo purposes. The islets of Langerhans are complex microorgans with the important role of regulating glucose homeostasis. Imbalances in glucose homeostasis lead to diabetes, which is defined by the American Diabetes Association as a “group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both” (American Diabetes Association 2011). Currently, the rising demand of human islets is provoking a shortage of this tissue, limiting research and clinical practice on this field. In this scenario, it is essential to investigate and improve islet isolation procedures in animal models, while keeping in mind the anatomical and functional differences between species. This chapter discusses the main aspects of mouse islet isolation research, highlighting the critical factors and shortcomings to take into account for the selection and/or optimization of a mouse islet isolation protocol.

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  1. Laboratory of Cell Therapy of Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Hospital Cruces, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, s/n 48940, Leioa, Biscay, Spain

    Miriam Ramírez-Domínguez

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  1. Laboratory of Cell Therapy of Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Hospital Cruces, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain

    Miriam Ramírez-Domínguez

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Ramírez-Domínguez, M. (2016). Isolation of Mouse Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans. In: Ramírez-Domínguez, M. (eds) Pancreatic Islet Isolation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 938. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39824-2_3

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