[Embryos and gametes cryopreservation for genetic resources conservation of laboratory animals]

Article reviews the use of embryos and gametes cryopreservation for cryobanking the laboratory animal species. The special emphasis is made on the mechanisms of cryoinjury and cryoprotection during program freezing and vitrification. The species specific cryobanking problems are discussed and the prospects to overcome these problems are outlined.