Comparative analysis of collagenase XI and liberase H1 for the isolation of human pancreatic islets.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of two enzymes, Liberase HI and Collagenase XI in human adult pancreatic islet isolation. METHODOLOGY: Pancreatic tissue samples were digested either with Liberase HI or Collagenase XI, using a non-automated method. We investigated the effect of both enzymes on yield, function and percent viability of the islets. RESULTS: No significant differences were found regarding islet yield when comparing Liberase HI to Collagenase XI. Viability of Collagenase-isolated islets was initially lower, but following 3 days of culture they attained a higher viability than the Liberase treated islets. Although the stimulation index tended to be higher in the Liberase-isolated islets no significant differences were observed between the two enzymes, except on the first day of cultivation; SI values for all Liberase concentrations were significantly higher than for Collagenase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that during the isolation procedure using Collagenase XI, the functional capacity of the isolated islets decline, but this is restored during a subsequent cultivation. On the other hand, during digestion with Liberase HI, the islets suffer less functional damage, resulting in better preservation of their functional capacity immediately after the isolation, as well as the subsequent 7 days of cultivation.