Neurons in cell culture survive freezing. Effect on electric membrane properties

A preliminary technique is described for freezing and thawing of intact neural cell cultures and neural cell suspensions of adult mouse dorsal root ganglia which permitted the neurons to retain to a remarkable degree their usual morphological and electrophysiological characteristics. Determination of ten electrical membrane properties (EMP) indicated significant quantitative alterations including increased specific membrane resistance and duration of the action potential and decreased resting membrane potential. The pattern of altered EMP was discussed in terms of the possible ionic site of freezing damage.