Whole-organ incubation as a first step in the isolation of pancreatic islets from large animals.

Ninety-five porcine pancreases were incubated at temperatures of 0, 20, or 37 degrees C for periods of 1-32 h. After incubation at 37 degrees C for 2-4 h, islet cells retain their morphologic and functional integrity, whereas acinar cells become necrotic. Because of acinar destruction, the pancreas also becomes soft and amenable to mechanical separation with a simple new device. Temperature-controlled incubation therefore may be a useful first step in the isolation of islet cells from large animal pancreases.