Islet Cell and Functional Analysis Core

Description

The Islet Cell and Functional Analysis Core (IFAC) is a broad-based resource for research involving pancreatic islets. Services include preparing isolated islets from rodents and primates, chronic and acute treatment and culture of isolated islets, and experimental analysis of islets and islet cells in regard to their metabolic, functional and morphological state. Flow culture combined with sophisticated assessment techniques using optical detection have been developed specifically for islets and provide a unique set of investigational tools (1-2). Parameters that can be measured feature those reflecting mitochondrial function (NADH, oxygen consumption, cytochrome c reduction, CO2 production, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species), as well as lactate production, insulin secretion, cytosolic calcium and calcium uptake. The real time analytical tools that were developed for islets can also accommodate most cell and tissue types; those that have been analyzed in the past include cultured cells, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, brain slices, retina, and muscle. For all core users, consultation regarding experimental design and data analysis is provided. Classes of studies carried out have involved control of insulin secretion (3-4), cell death, mitochondrial metabolism, beta cell surface monoclonal antibody production, phenotyping genetically altered mice, transplantation studies(5), and binding and uptake studies (6).