Comparison of DMSO and glycerol as cryoprotectants for ascites tumor cells

Mouse Ehrlich ascites and rat D23 ascites tumors were stored in liquid nitrogen under identical conditions for up to 3 years. Cell viability (trypan blue exclusion) and transplantability of both tumors in animals remained virtually unaffected if preserved in 10% DMSO containing medium, whereas, cells preserved in 10% glycerol failed to produce lethal tumors in rodents.