Collagen matrix-embedded hIAPP^+/- transgenic mouse islets have lower amyloid formation, β-cell apoptosis, and higher β-cell phospho-PKB levels than free-floating cultured islets.

<p><b>(A)</b> Islet sections from hIAPP^+/- mice were immunolabelled for insulin/A11 (oligomer), insulin/thioflavin S (Thio S), insulin/p-PKB/Thio S or insulin/TUNEL before and after 7-day culture free-floating (FF) or in collagen matrix (CM). The arrows point to regions corresponding to enlarged areas in each image (original magnification: X400; insert: X1000). The percentage of <b>(B)</b> A11 (oligomer)-positive islets, <b>(C)</b> Thioflavin S (amyloid)-positive islets, and <b>(D)</b> islet amyloid area. <b>(E)</b> β-cell phospho-PKB immunofluorescence (IF) intensity. <b>(F)</b> The proportion of apoptotic β-cells. Results are expressed as mean +/- SEM of three independent studies (25–30 islets per condition from n = 3 mice per group in each study). For β-cell phospho-PKB IF intensity, quantifications were performed on a total of 15 amyloid (thio S)-positive 7-day cultured hIAPP^+/- islets and equal number of CM-embedded islets (no or very little amyloid formation). *vs Day 0; <b>#</b>vs FF, one-way ANOVA (<i>P<0</i>.<i>05</i>; one-way ANOVA).