Islet-like cells generation from intra islet precursor cells of diabetic pancreas

Objective To test transdifferentiation of intra precursor cells of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells isolated from streptozotocin-treated diabetic pancreas in vitro into islet-like cells.Methods Pure pancreatic ductal epithelial cells from streptozotocin-treated diabetic pancreas were separated and cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with KGF,hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and nicotinamide.Samples were taken at different time points for immunocytochemistry with antibodies against transdifferentiation gene PDX-1.DTZ staining and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were done to examine the endocrine function of differentiated islet-like clusters.Results Islet-like cells were stained into black-red by dithizone,while glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was obviously detected.Conclusion Pancreatic stem cells of diabetic mice could proliferate quickly and have the potency of transdifferentiation into islet-like clusters when cultured in vitro under appropriate conditions. Key words: Pancreas stem cells; Diabetes; Islets of langerhans; Transdifferentiation