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Ice can penetrate invertebrate tissues via paracellular pathways
1Physiol. Institut, Bau 59, Unikliniken 66421 Homburg, Deutschland. phwber@uniklinik-saarland.de
Cryo Letters
|June 25, 2004
Summary
This study reveals a novel type of aggressive ice crystals that invade salivary glands and cells, even reaching the nucleus. Intracellular freezing is a two-step process, with cytoplasm freezing before the nucleus.
Area of Science:
- Cryobiology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Understanding ice-cell interactions is crucial for cryopreservation and understanding freezing injury.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the mechanisms of ice crystal invasion into tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between ice crystals and salivary gland tissues during freezing.
- To identify and characterize novel ice crystal behaviors and invasion pathways.
Main Methods:
- Observation of freezing processes in transparent salivary glands.
- Microscopic analysis of ice crystal formation and tissue invasion.
- Distinguishing between extracellular and intracellular freezing events.
Main Results:
- Most ice crystals stopped at the gland boundary, preventing invasion.
- A rare, aggressive type of ice crystal was identified, invading glands via paracellular pathways (septate junctions).
- Aggressive ice crystals were observed invading salivary gland cells, deforming and entering the nucleus.
- Intracellular freezing was confirmed as a two-step event: cytoplasm freezing precedes nuclear invasion.
Conclusions:
- A previously unknown mechanism of ice crystal invasion into salivary glands exists.
- Aggressive ice crystals can breach cellular barriers, including the nuclear envelope.
- Intracellular freezing is a sequential process with significant implications for cell survival during freezing.
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