Abstract
In vitro research in the field of type I diabetes is frequently limited by the availability of a functional model for islets of Langerhans. This method shows that by the addition of theophylline to the glucose buffers, mouse insulinoma MIN6 and rat insulinoma INS1E pseudo-islets can serve as a model for islets of Langerhans for in vitro research. The effect of theophylline is dose- and cell line-dependent, resulting in a minimal stimulation index of five followed by a rapid return to baseline insulin secretion by reducing glucose concentrations after a first high glucose stimulation. This protocol solves issues concerning in vitro research for type I diabetes as donors and the availability of primary islets of Langerhans are limited. To avoid the limitations of using human donor material, cell lines represent a valid alternative. Many different cell lines have been reported, but the lack of reproducible responsiveness to glucose stimulation remains a challenge.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 1532 |
Journal | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2016 |
Keywords
- cell lines
- insulin secretion in vitro
- assay methods