Two-layer cold storage method for pancreas and islet cell transplantation

Abstract

The two-layer cold storage method (TLM) was first reported in 1988, consisting of a perfluorochemical (PFC) and initially Euro-Collins' solution, which was later replaced by University of Wisconsin solution (UW). PFC is a biologically inert liquid and acts as an oxygen-supplying agent. A pancreas preserved using the TLM is oxygenated through the PFC and substrates are supplied by the UW solution. This allows the pancreas preserved using the TLM to generate adenosine triphosphate during storage, prolonging the preservation time. In a canine model, the TLM was shown to repair and resuscitate warm ischemically damaged pancreata during preservation, improve pancreas graft survival after transplantation, and also improve the islet yield after isolation. Clinical trials using the TLM in pancreas preservation before whole-pancreas transplantation and islet isolation have shown promising outcomes. We describe the role of the TLM in pancreas and islet transplantation.