Figure 3. Histology of the decellularized pancreata.

Pancreata that were decellularized via the Artery, the Portal Vein or the Pancreatic Duct were stained with different methods to analyze the organ structure after decellularization and compared with native controls: No remaining cells were found inside the decellularized organs but the characteristic lobular microarchitecture of the organ was preserved. Key matrix proteins (Collagen IV, Fibronectin and Laminin) were visualized by immunohistochemical stainings. No significant differences were observed between the three experimental groups. Key matrix proteins remained in the matrices.