Influence of culture conditions on B-cell functions in vitro.

Isolated pancreatic islets from Wistar rats were maintained in vitro at 37 degrees C for 12 days in TCM 199 containing 10 mmol/l glucose and supplemented with 10% serum. 10 mmol/l glucose completely prevented the diminution of insulin content independent of the type of serum (fetal calf serum; serum from newborn calfs; horse serum), whereas the insulin biosynthesis as well as the insulin release were modulated by the kind of serum. Fetal calf serum can be replaced by horse serum.