PK11195, a specific ligand of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, may protect pancreatic beta-cells from cytokine-induced cell death.

We cultured isolated islets from human or porcine origin in the presence or absence of IL1 and TNFα and studied cytoprotective effects of two structurally different PBR ligands. Storage of pig or human islets in the presence of cytokines significantly lowered the fraction of vital beta-cells. Compared with cytokine incubations PK11195 alone or in combination with cytokines was effective to prevent cytokine induced cell death. The data indicate that cold storage in the presence of PK11195 may further protect beta-cells from cytokine induced cell death. This ligand may be helpful to preserve beta-cell survival before transplantation.