Effects of Astragalosides on Cultured Islets After Cryopreservation in Rats

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of AST (astragalosides) on cultured rat islet yield, purity, and function after cryopreservation in rats. Methods Pancreatic islets were isolated from 30 Sprague-Dawley rats using the standard technique of collagenase P digestion and discontinuous Ficoll gradient purification. After thaw, the islets were randomly divided into AST group and control group ( n = 15). Next, the islet cells were cultured in AST-containing medium or standard medium for 7, 14, and 21 days after cryopreservation and thaw. The quantity, purity, and survival rate were calculated in the two groups before and after culture. Then the in vitro and in vivo function was observed in diabetic rats after islet transplantation. Results The quantity and purity of islets had no difference between the two groups before culture ( P > .05) while the difference after culture was significantly ( P < .05). The survival rate of islets was 48% in AST group and 32% in the control group 21 days after thaw ( P < .05). After 3 days, there was significantly a higher simulation index in the AST group than in the control group ( P < .05). There was a significant difference in blood glucose and insulin concentrations between the groups after 3 days ( P < .05). Conclusion AST can be added to the culture medium to reduce the loss of islet cryopreservation and be intravenously injected to improve culture islet function in vitro and prolong islet graft survival in diabetic rats.