Pre-culturing islets with mesenchymal stromal cells using a direct contact configuration is beneficial for transplantation outcome in diabetic mice.

Background Aims: We recently showed that co-transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improves islet function and revascularization in vivo. Pre-transplant islet culture is associated with the loss of islet cells. MSCs may enhance islet cell survival or function by direct cell contact mechanisms and soluble mediators.