A modified method for isolating mouse islets of an adequate quality, quantity, and purity

Biochem Cell Biol. 2017 Aug;95(4):455-458. doi: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0204. Epub 2017 Mar 3.

Abstract

Mouse islets are widely used in diabetes research. Thus an adequate quality, quantity, and purity of islets are needed for high-quality investigations. We performed a combination of filtration and density gradient separation and optimized many steps in the islet isolation procedure, including perfusion, digestion, and purification. Our results show that an increased quality, quantity, and purity of isolated islets can be achieved using these modifications. Moreover, this method can guarantee maximal recovery and purity of the isolated islets and is easy to perform with practice.

Keywords: density gradient separation; exocrine tissue; filtration; islet isolation; isolement d’îlots de Langerhans; séparation sur gradient de densité; tissue exocrine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Separation / methods*
  • Cell Separation / standards*
  • Centrifugation, Density Gradient / methods
  • Filtration / methods
  • Islets of Langerhans / cytology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C