Effect of cryopreservation on lipid peroxidation in chick cornea

A mechanism suggested to cause injury to the preserved organs in vitro is the generation of oxygen free radicals either during preservation or after transplantation due to reperfusion. Methods to suppress generation of oxygen free radicals may lead to improved methods of organ preservation. In this study, increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation in chick cornea after cryopreservation is reported. Addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cryopreservation medium was found to prevent lipid peroxidation. Addition of FBS was also found to be protective towards corneal viability during cryopreservation.