Isolation, Kultur und Charakterisierung von adulten pluripotenten Stammzellen aus dem Pankreas

Introduction: Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found within fully developed tissues or organs of an adult individuum. Until recently, these cells have been considered to bear less self-renewal ability and differentiation potency compared to embryonic stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells from the pancreas have not been described in the literature so far. Material/Method: The exocrine pancreas was obtained from adult rats and cultivated in tissue cultures. A specific cell population of an undifferentiated state could be isolated and replanted. These cells were stimulated for differentiation by various methods. Under native conditions the differentiated cells were isolated by microdissection and recultivated. To test for differentiated cell types we performed immunohistochemical stainings using several specific antibodies, transmission electron microscopy and screening of genes characteristic for differentiated cell types. Results: With the presented method it was possible to isolate cells, that exhibit a high plasticity, a virtually unlimited self-renewal potency and prolonged viability. After spontanous differentiation these cell gave rise to cell types of all three germ layers, e. g. smooth muscle cells, neurons, glial cells, epithelial cells, chondrocytes and secretory cells (insulin, amylase). Discussion: For the first time adult stem cells could be isolated displaying pluripotent characteristics. Like in embryonic stem cells differentiation occurs spontanously and is not subjected to germ-line restrictions. The present data emphasize the versatility of adult stem cells and may lead to a reappraisal of their use for the treatment of inherited disorders or acquired degenerative diseases.