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Fractures in cryopreserved arteries
C J Hunt1, Y C Song, E A Bateson
1MRC Medical Cryobiology Group, University Department of Surgery, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Cryobiology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Cryopreservation of rabbit carotid arteries using dimethyl sulfoxide can cause fractures. Halting cooling at -80 degrees C prevents these cracks, preserving vessel integrity for research.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Cryobiology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Rabbit common carotid arteries are small elastic arteries used in research.
- Cryopreservation using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common technique.
- Existing cryopreservation methods for these arteries result in fractures in approximately 75% of cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing fracture occurrence during cryopreservation of rabbit carotid arteries.
- To identify cryopreservation conditions that prevent vessel wall fractures.
Main Methods:
- Cryopreservation of rabbit common carotid arteries using DMSO.
- Systematic variation of vehicle solution composition, cryoprotectant concentration, cooling rate, and storage temperature.
- Assessment of vessel wall integrity for gross circumferential fractures.
Main Results:
- Fractures occurred in approximately 75% of arteries cryopreserved with standard methods (storage below -160°C).
- No fractures were observed when cooling was halted at -80°C and arteries were stored at this temperature.
- The study explored potential mechanisms involving mechanical stresses in the vitreous phase.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation of rabbit carotid arteries can be optimized to prevent fractures.
- Storing arteries at -80°C after initial cooling halts fracture formation.
- Mechanical stresses in the cryopreserved matrix are implicated in vessel damage.