Related Experiment Videos
Cryopreservation studies with porcine corneas
M C Wusteman1, J W Armitage, L H Wang
1University of York Medical Cryobiology Unit Department of Biology York, UK.
Current Eye Research
|September 17, 1999
Summary
Porcine corneas showed higher susceptibility to dimethyl sulfoxide toxicity and cryopreservation injury compared to rabbit corneas. This highlights species variation in animal models for human tissue cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a cryoprotective agent used in tissue preservation.
- Previous studies demonstrated DMSO's efficacy in preserving rabbit corneal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a DMSO-based cryopreservation technique in porcine corneas.
- To assess DMSO uptake and toxicity in porcine corneas.
Main Methods:
- Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measured DMSO uptake.
- Vital staining assessed endothelial structural integrity post-exposure.
- Cryopreservation efficacy was evaluated at 15% and 20% DMSO concentrations.
Main Results:
- DMSO uptake varied with addition temperature (ice vs. room temperature).
- DMSO toxicity was temperature-dependent and observed after cryoprotectant removal.
- Porcine corneas experienced significant endothelial injury with 15% and 20% DMSO, unlike rabbit corneas.
Conclusions:
- Porcine corneas are more sensitive to DMSO toxicity and cryopreservation than rabbit corneas.
- Species-specific responses are critical when using animal models for human tissue cryopreservation research.