Effect of freezing and storing on the biological properties of macrophages

Storage of intact macrophages would be a useful procedure for laboratories studying the biological functions of these cells. Oil-induced guinea pig peritoneal cells were harvested and frozen at an ultra-low temperature using a cryoprotective media. Studies of the biological properties of the frozen cells upon thawing indicated that the cells retained viability for a fairly long period of time, were metabolically active and comparable to normal cells in morphology. Indications of activation were obtained in enhanced phagocytic activity and significant decrease in migration of the stored cells.