Background. In islet transplantation pancreatic preservation before islet isolation is an obstacle compromising islet yield and viability. We tested the feasibility of a two-layer method (University of Wisconsin solution. [UW]/perfluorochemical) for pancreatic preservation before islet isolation. Methods. Dog pancreases were processed into pure islets by the method of Ricordi preceded by five different preservations (groups 1-a and 1-b, the two-layer method for 3 and 24 hours; groups 2-a and 2-b, simple cold storage in UW for 3 and 24 hours; group 3, without preservation). Islet yields and functional success after autotransplantation into the liver were compared among the groups. Results. Postpurification islet equivalents (IE)/gm pancreas and functional success rate were 5600 (mean) 83% in group 1-a; 4000, 56% in group 1-b; 4700, 33% in group 2-a; 1300, 0% in group 2-b; and 5000, 89% in group 3 (p < 0.05; 26 versus 1-a, 1-b, and 3), respectively. There was no statistical difference among groups 1-a, 1-b, and 3 in terms of islet yield and function (p > 0.2). Conclusions. The two-layer method is more effective than conventional simple cold storage in UW for pancreatic preservation before islet isolation. Clinical trials with the two-layer method are warranted.
