In vivo assessment of efficacy of HUCPVCs in islet engraftment and function in an immunodeficient NSG mouse model and immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mouse model

The function of the islet plus MSC grafts was assessed with an IPGTT at 2.7, 7, 12, and 16 weeks after transplantation under the kidney capsule. NSG mice were fasted overnight and, after a basal tail blood glucose reading, received 2 g of glucose per kilogram of fasted body mass by intraperitoneal injection. Glucose measurements were then taken at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after glucose injection. A blood sample was taken at the 60-min time point (into EDTA) for stimulated plasma C-peptide analysis. At the 16-week IPGTT, further blood samples were also taken at 0- and 120-min time points. IPGTTs were similarly carried out after transplantation of C57Bl/6 mouse islets via the HPV route into C57Bl/6 mice. At 6 weeks after transplant, a blood sample was taken while fasting and at the 60-min time point (into EDTA) for stimulated plasma insulin analysis.