Brief Communication: Effect of long-term culture on the expression of antigens and adhesion molecule in single porcine pancreatic endocrine cells

• Published in: Xenotransplantation (Københaven) 2005-07, Vol.12 (4), p.327-332
• Main Authors: Edamura, Kazuya, Nasu, Koko, Iwami, Yukiko, Nishimura, Ryohei, Ogawa, Hiroyuki, Sasaki, Nobuo, Ohgawara, Hisako
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0908-665X; 1399-3089
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2005.00232.x

Background:Changes in the expression of galactose (Gal) alpha 1-3Gal, swine lymphocyte antigen (SLA) class II and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 of single porcine pancreatic endocrine (PE) cells during the culture period were investigated. Methods:Cultured porcine PE-cells were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histological evaluation. At 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks of culture, mRNA was obtained from porcine PE-cells so that the expression of SLA class II and ICAM-1 genes could be examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results:The rates of Gal alpha 1-3Gal and SLA class II-positive cells did not decrease during the culture period, but the rates of Gal alpha 1-3Gal and SLA class II strongly positive cells significantly decreased. ICAM-1-positive cells were scarcely observed during the culture period. SLA class II and ICAM-1 mRNAs were detected at 1 and 3 weeks of culture, but were not detected after 6 weeks of culture. Conclusions:These results suggest that partial reduction in the expression of these antigens could be obtained by a long-term culture.