Tracing of islet graft survival by way of in vivo fluorescence imaging

Background To increase the success rate in xenogeneic islet transplantation, proper assessment of graft mass is required following transplantation. For this reason, we aimed to develop a suitable fluorescence imaging system to monitor islet xenograft survival in diabetic mice. Methods Adenovirus vector encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein‐transduced rat pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal capsule of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice and the fluorescence signal was quantified over time using a cooled charge‐coupled device. Non‐fasting blood glucose levels were recorded during the same period. Insulin release from transduced and control islets was detected via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Adenovirus vector encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein infection did not alter the function or survival of pancreatic islets post transduction. A direct correlation was found between the number of islets (250–750) transplanted under the kidney capsule and the blood glucose recovery. Conclusions Fluorescence imaging appears to be a useful tool for quantitative assessment of islet cell viability post transplantation and could permit earlier detection of graft rejection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.