Beta cell viability and function in hypoxia: towards a clinically reflective model of beta cell transplantation

Abstract

Beta-cell survival is low following islet transplantation and this may be linked to a delay in revascularisation of donor cells. This decrease in oxygen supply is termed hypoxia, the result of which is detrimental to beta-cell survival. The current research sought to investigate post-transplant beta-cell viability and function by investigating the effects of low oxygen levels on MIN6 pancreatic beta-cells. MIN6 beta-cells were exposed to 1% oxygen (hypoxia) or 21% oxygen (normoxia) over a period of 72 hours. Viability was assessed by MTT assay and cell number was determined by haemocytometer count at 0 hours (normoxia), 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. A Hoechst propidium iodide (HPI) stain was used to identify beta-cell apoptosis or necrosis during hypoxia. Western blot analyses were performed to determine the PI3K, pAkt, pAMPK, PDX-1, GLUT2 and pS6K protein levels. Real time PCR was used to estimate glut2, vegf, hif and insulin gene expression by MIN6 cells following exposure to hypoxia over various time points.

Date of Award	Oct 2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton