Extended oxygen consumption assay reveals size dependent differences of rat islets of Langerhans

Introduction: The mitochondrial viability of islet beta cells is critical for two key functions: first, the provision of energy for maintenance of cellular metabolism and homeostasis, and second, the induction of glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Recently the measurement of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in combination with the isolation factor, a marker of islet size, has been proposed as a new quality control parameter of islets destined for transplantation for the therapy of type 1 diabetes. Methods: Islets isolated from female Wistar rats and visually sorted at the microscope in groups smaller and lar…