In Vivo Imaging of Naked and Microencapsulated Islet Cell Transplantation

Dian R Arifin; Jeff W M Bulte

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-2807-2_5

In Vivo Imaging of Naked and Microencapsulated Islet Cell Transplantation

Methods Mol Biol. 2023:2592:75-88. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2807-2_5.

Authors

Dian R Arifin^{1

2}, Jeff W M Bulte^{3

4

5

6

7}

Affiliations

¹ Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
² Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
³ Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.
⁴ Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.
⁵ Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.
⁶ Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.
⁷ Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.

Abstract

We describe step-by-step methods to label human pancreatic islet cells and murine insulinoma cells and their subsequent transplantation into type I diabetic mouse models with a focus on in vivo imaging using clinically applicable scanners. We also cover islets that are microencapsulated within alginate hydrogels loaded with imaging agents. By following these methods, it is possible to image cell grafts using T₁-weighted and T₂/T₂*-weighted ¹H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ¹⁹F MRI, computed tomography, ultrasound imaging, and bioluminescence imaging in vivo. Considering a myriad of factors that may affect the outcome of proper in vivo detection, we discuss potential issues that may be encountered during and after the process of labeling. The ultimate goal is to use these in vivo imaging approaches to determine and optimize naked and encapsulated islet cell survival, therapeutic function, and engraftment procedures.

Keywords: Bioluminescence; CT; Diabetes; Imaging; MRI; Microcapsule; Pancreatic islet; Transplantation; Ultrasound; X-ray.

MeSH terms

Animals
Diabetes Mellitus* / metabolism
Humans
Insulinoma* / metabolism
Islets of Langerhans Transplantation* / methods
Islets of Langerhans* / diagnostic imaging
Islets of Langerhans* / metabolism
Mice
Pancreatic Neoplasms* / metabolism

Grants and funding

R01 DK106972/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States