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Cryopreservation of the mammalian kidney. II. Demonstration of immediate ex vivo function after introduction and removal of 7.5 M cryoprotectant.

The objective of the present study was to determine whether rabbit kidneys could be perfused with a 7.5 M vitrification solution (VS4, which vitrifies under applied pressure) without loss of function. To answer this question, kidneys were perfused with VS4 using a computer-based machine to gradually raise and lower concentration and then attached to the aorta and vena cava of a perfusor rabbit using an apparatus that permitted renal blood flow and renal function to be measured. About half (6/13) of the kidneys so evaluated resumed substantial immediate function after a transient period of severely reduced blood flow. Loss of function did not occur if cryoprotectant concentration was limited to 3.8 M. The loss of function produced by VS4 could be partially reproduced by artificially limiting blood reflow in control kidneys to simulate the transiently low flows caused by VS4 exposure. These results provide the first evidence that both the parenchyma and the vascular system of a sensitive mammalian organ can survive exposure to a vitrifiable concentration of cryoprotectant.

Animals↗

Overcoming a permeability barrier by microinjecting cryoprotectants into zebrafish embryos (Brachydanio rerio).

The goal of this research was to examine the developmental effects on zebrafish embryos (Brachydanio rerio) when cryoprotectants were directly microinjected into the yolk. Our objectives were to: (i) determine the final concentration of propylene glycol (PG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me(2)SO) that the embryos could tolerate without causing teratogenic effects; (ii) determine if the toxicity of Me(2)SO could be reduced by the simultaneous presence of various proportions of amides; and (iii) examine whether this intracellular cryoprotectant incorporation could reduce the cryodamage to the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) after vitrification trials. The rationale for conducting these microinjection experiments was to overcome the permeability barrier of the YSL. Intracellular PG produced better survival than Me(2)SO (P < 0.05). Embryos tolerated both 10- and 30-nl microinjections of PG, yielding final concentrations of 2.3 and 5.0 M within the yolk, resulting in 70 +/- 3 and 35 +/- 4% survival at day 5, respectively. In similar experiments with Me(2)SO, survival was lower than PG at 60 +/- 4 and 14 +/- 4% at 2.4 and 5.2 M. Unlike other cellular systems, the presence of amides, specifically acetamide or formamide, did not reduce the toxicity of Me(2)SO in zebrafish embryos (P > 0.05). During vitrification trials, we estimated a 25% dehydration of the yolk, yielding an effective PG concentration of 5.9 M. However, the incorporation of this vitrifiable concentration of PG was not sufficient to improve the postthaw morphology of the YSL (P > 0.05). Clearly, other factors need to be examined in establishing a successful vitrification protocol for zebrafish embryos.

Acetamides↗

Osmotic behavior of in vitro produced bovine blastocysts in cryoprotectant solutions as a potential predictive test of survival.

The osmotic behavior of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro was filmed during exposure to and dilution of cryoprotectant solutions used for vitrification. The relationship between the changes in the diameter of embryos and their subsequent survival was assessed. Embryos collected on Day 6 and Day 7 postinsemination were exposed to 10% glycerol (GLY) for 5 min, 10% GLY + 20% ethylene glycol (EG) for 5 min, and 25% Gly + 25% EG for 30 s, before dilution in 0.85 M galactose and finally in embryo transfer freezing medium (ETF). Embryos that had a higher probability of survival behaved as perfect osmometers, shrinking, reexpanding, or swelling according to an identical pattern, whereas embryos that deviated from this standard usually did not survive. The initial embryo diameter, duration of shrinkage and expansion in 10% glycerol, duration of reexpansion in ETF, and final embryo diameter were clearly predictive of the ability to hatch after culture in vitro. On a given day postinsemination, larger blastocysts were more likely than smaller blastocysts to survive and hatch after exposure to cryoprotectants with or without vitrification.

Animals↗

Storage of Chinchilla lanigera semen at 4 degrees C for 24 or 72 h with two different cryoprotectants.

The objectives of this study were to: (a) test the functional activity of Chinchilla lanigera spermatozoa suspended in either glycerol or ethylene glycol, cooled to 4 degrees C, and stored for 24 or 72 h and (b) investigate, after these cooling periods, the effects of incubating sperm at 37 degrees C (for 4 h) upon sperm functional activity. The ejaculate was mixed with the cryoprotectant medium (at 1 M final concentration) and cooled to 4 degrees C. After warming, sperm motility, sperm viability, hypoosmotic swelling test results, and acrosomal integrity were significantly higher for samples containing ethylene glycol than for those in glycerol, stored for 24 or 72 h, and then assayed after 0 or 4 h incubation at 37 degrees C. A significant reduction of sperm motility and viability was detected only when the glycerol cryoprotectant agent was employed, compared to the fresh samples. These results clearly indicate that under our experimental conditions, ethylene glycol is a better protectant for sperm storage than glycerol.

Animals↗

Modification of lipid phase behavior with membrane-bound cryoprotectants.

Several derivatives of cholesterol containing oxyethylene headgroups with and without a terminal galactose have been synthesized in order to examine the effects of immobilizing a cryoprotectant at a membrane surface. In this work, we have studied the ability of the triethoxycholesterol (TEC) and triethoxycholesterol galactose (TEC-Gal) derivatives to modulate the phase behavior of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine membranes. Methods of fluorescence polarization, 31P-NMR and freeze-fracture electron microscopy were employed to monitor these changes in lipid phase behavior. Fluorescence polarization data demonstrated the ability of the derivatives to fluidize gel state and rigidify liquid-crystalline state phosphatidylcholines in a manner similar to that observed for cholesterol. Unlike cholesterol, however, the Tm of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner with each of the derivatives. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy and 31P-NMR of DOPE dispersions indicate an increase in the lamellar to hexagonal phase-transition temperature on the order of 10-20 C degrees above room temperature for mixtures with 20 mol% of the derivatives. These results are discussed in terms of the properties exhibited by compounds such as carbohydrates, which are known to serve as cryoprotectants for synthetic and biological membranes.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

The influence of different freezing procedures and different cryoprotective agents on the immunological capacity of frozen-stored lymphocytes.

The influence of a series of factors on the frozen storage of lymphocytes was investigated. The cells were frozen using different freezing programmes, using the cryoprotectants dimethyl sulphoxide and glycerol in different concentrations in the freezing medium, and with variations in the period of exposure of cells to cryoprotectants before freezing and after thawing. Cell viability was evaluated by quantitative measurements of the cell-mediated immune response after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, concanavalin A, and allogenic cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures. The factors investigated were found to have an important effect on the immune response, so that careful investigation and exact specification of the freezing system are necessary before frozen cells are used in blast-transformation tests. The best freezing programme had a duration of approximately 40 min with a smooth progression through the temperature range where phase transition takes place. The optimum dimethyl sulphoxide concentration in this programme was 8--10%. Dimethyl sulphoxide had no toxic effect on the cells, and no equilibration period was necessary prior to freezing. An equilibration period of 15 min with 10% glycerol was even better than the optimum programme with dimethyl sulphoxide.

Blood Preservation↗

Viability of micrococci and lactobacilli upon freezing and freeze-drying in the presence of different cryoprotectants.

Studies were conducted on the viability of Micrococcus varians strain M95 and Lactobacillus plantarum strain L4 upon freezing and freeze-drying using five cryoprotectants (sucrose, lactose, sodium glutamate, peptone, dry nonfat milk) singly or in combinations with gelatin, glutamic acid, and sodium acetate. The number of survivals was determined immediately after treatment and after storage at room temperature or refrigeration temperatures, under vacuum or in air. Dry nonfat milk and peptone introduced at the levels of 8 and 5%, respectively, to broth culture, were found to be the best cryoprotectants providing a 100% viability determined immediately after the treatment of the strains under investigation. Immediately after freezing and freeze-drying, the numbers of viable micrococci remain high, the percentage viability in the presence of almost all the protectants used being 100%. During storage, those numbers decrease rapidly, reaching zero in 3 months upon storage at room temperature in air. The storage ability of lactobacilli is considerably better and, regardless of the fact that the percentage viability decreases, sufficient numbers of viable cells remain after 6 months of storage at both test temperatures. The best results are obtained on storing the microorganisms under vacuum in ampoules under reduced temperatures (+5 degrees C).

Cryoprotective Agents↗

Beneficial effect of low concentrations of cryoprotective agents on short-term rabbit kidney perfusion.

This report describes observations concerning the influence of the addition of 0.3 M cryoprotective agents (propylene glycol or glycerol) to Ringer's albumin solution used for rabbit kidney perfusion for periods of less than 4 and 24 hr. Endogenous creatinine clearance during short-term parabiotic perfusion on a shunt was used to evaluate function after perfusion. The findings were (A) Perfusion for less than 4 hr resulted in a significant loss of function by comparison with 1 hr ice-stored controls. (B) Continuing the perfusion for 24 hr resulted in a further significant fall in function. Much of the early perfusional injury seen in these two groups could be avoided by including 0.3 M cryoprotective agents in the perfusate.

Animals↗

Membrane stabilization during freezing: the role of two natural cryoprotectants, trehalose and proline.

The relative effectiveness of two natural cryoprotectants, proline and trehalose, in preserving membrane structure and function during freezing was studied. Isolated vesicles of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) from lobster muscle (Homarus americanus) were employed to study changes in structure and function during rapid freeze-thaw conditions. Both proline and trehalose were shown to effectively preserve the structure (assessed with freeze fracture) and function (assessed by the ability of the membranes to transport calcium) in the frozen vesicles. As a first step toward determining the mechanism of cryoprotection by these compounds, we have investigated their effectiveness in inhibiting freezing induced fusion between phospholipid vesicles. Pamiltoyloleoyl-phosphatidylcholine: phosphatidylserine (85:15 mole ratio) small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) were made incorporating one of the following fluorescent probes, and energy donor, cholesteryl anthracene-9-carboxylate, or an energy acceptor, nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole phosphatidylethanolamine to investigate the amount of membrane mixing during rapid freeze-thaw cycles, and storage at -20 degrees C. Membrane mixing was measured as an energy transfer from donor to acceptor when donor vesicles and acceptor vesicles were mixed before a particular freezing treatment. Membrane mixing was correlated with structural changes in these membranes by freeze-fracture analysis. Both trehalose and proline were found to be more effective in preventing membrane mixing between SUVs than the standard protectants, glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide.

Animals↗

Cryoprotective effects of yeast extracellular polysaccharides and glycoproteins.

Eighteen yeast strains were tested for their ability to survive the freeze-thaw process while being cryoprotected. Cryoprotection was accomplished by combining penetrating and nonpenetrating cryoagents. Four nonpenetrating (two extracellular polysaccharides of yeast and two extracellular glycoproteins of yeast) and two penetrating agents were used together with the nutritive-rich medium. Eight different mixtures were tested. The highest survival rate was obtained with glycoproteins of Rhodosporidium toruloides together with DMSO and nutritive-rich medium.

Amino Acids↗

Site of freeze-thaw damage and cryoprotection by amino acids of the calcium ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is irreversibly inactivated by a freeze-thaw (FT) cycle. The membrane does not become more permeable to calcium after a FT cycle, suggesting that the reduced uptake is due to damage to the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase. Several amino acids, in addition to standard cryoprotectants provide good protection of calcium uptake against FT damage. The amount of protection given by the amino acids is generally inversely proportional to a measure of hydrophobicity, the mean fractional area loss upon incorporation in globular proteins of the amino acid side chain. Unlike the case for cells, glutamine and dimethyl sulfoxide do not act independently as cryoprotectants for SR calcium ATPase. When the protein is exposed to multiple FT cycles, the amount of inactivation is exponentially proportional to the number of FT cycles. This is true for both protected and unprotected samples. Some SR vesicles fuse during FT. Fusion of vesicles cannot account for the observed inactivation of the enzyme. Fluorescence studies, using intrinsic tryptophan and extrinsic FITC and NCD-4, suggest that FT does not damage the transmembrane region of the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase or the calcium binding sites, but only the mechanism coupling ATPase activity to calcium translocation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies suggest that this region comprises less than 15% of the whole enzyme.

Amino Acids↗

Use of cryoprotectant to maintain long-term peptide immunoreactivity and tissue morphology.

Use of an ethylene glycol based cryoprotectant solution has been found to be effective for the long-term storage of brain tissue either in block form or as freely floating sections prior to immunocytochemical processing. Storage of tissue in the solution at -20 degrees C or 4 degrees C for up to 3 months produced no adverse effects upon tissue morphology, nor was LHRH immunoreactivity diminished or accompanied by elevated non-specific staining. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of cryoprotected tissue revealed excellent preservation of cellular morphology. It is anticipated that this method can find use when it is necessary or desirable for the investigator to retain tissue for later immunocytochemical or electron microscopic processing.

Animals↗

6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase and control of cryoprotectant synthesis in freeze tolerant frogs.

A critical part of natural freeze tolerance is the production of low molecular weight cryoprotectants; in freeze tolerant frogs this involves a freezing-induced activation of liver glycogenolysis that leads to the accumulation of glucose as the cryoprotectant, in amounts up to 300 mM, in all organs. The present study shows that the synthesis and maintenance of high organ glucose pools is facilitated by changes in the levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6P2) and an inhibition of liver 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK-2) activity that blocks the catabolism of glucose by glycolysis. Freezing exposure (24 h at -2.5 degrees C) resulted in a sharp drop in F2,6P2 levels in four organs, to 23-75% of control values, but F2,6P2 rebounded when frogs were thawed. Freezing also stimulated changes in the properties of liver PFK-2 including a decrease in maximal velocity, a basic shift in pH optimum, a 10-fold increase in Km for fructose-6-phosphate, and increased I50 values for enzyme inhibitors. I50 values for glycerol-3-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate were 60- and 2.4-fold higher, respectively, for liver PFK-2 from frozen frogs compared with controls. Changes in liver PFK-2 properties are consistent with a freezing-induced phosphorylation of the enzyme to produce a less active enzyme form, resulting in reduced organ F2,6P2 levels and a decrease in 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase activity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Amides as cryoprotectants for freezing stallion semen: a review.

Stallion semen cryopreservation, despite its impact on the horse industry, is not an established technology. During the last years, a number of modifications have been proposed to the freezing process, however, a large population of stallions still have poor semen quality and fertility after frozen-thawed. Glycerol toxicity could be a reason for the variation on stallion sperm freezability. There are limited publications concerning the use of alternative cryoprotectants for equine sperm. Glycerol is contraceptive for some species and other cryoprotectors, such as amides, have been show to be a good option for freezing semen of these species. Recent reports have shown encouraging data respecting the use of amides as cryoprotectants for stallions, with more remarkable improvements for semen from stallions that freeze poorly when glycerol is used.

Amides↗

Influence of cryoprotective agent and cooling rate on frozen and thawed hemocytes from the Mollusk Haliotis tuberculata.

Cultures of circulating cells from abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) may be used in fundamental research or in biotechnology. This paper describes attempts to develop a cryoconservation method for these hemocytes in order to constitute a standardized cell stock. Among a panel of five distinct cryoprotective solutions, 10% v/v glycerol ('G solution') was the most effective and better post-thaw recovery was achieved after cooling at 1 degrees C/min than after more rapid cooling (3 degrees C or 9 degrees C/min). In 2-day-old cultures, cell viability, assessed by DNA or protein content, was 83 and 78%, respectively, and metabolic activity, measured by the MTT reduction assay, reached 96%. Viability rates were only slightly reduced after 6 days of culture, suggesting a low proportion of damaged cells among the surviving hemocytes. This study identified a cryoprotective solution and a freezing protocol that allow thawed hemocytes to recover a large part of their viability.

Animals↗

Cryopreservation of the endangered mahseer (Tor khudree) spermatozoa: I. Effect of extender composition, cryoprotectants, dilution ratio, and storage period on post-thaw viability.

Several in situ and ex situ conservation strategies have been suggested for the revival of stocks of Tor khudree (Sykes), a threatened species. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is crucial for the conservation of stocks of endangered species so that sustainable production can be ensured. Among the different extenders, modified fish Ringer (E1) was found to be the best for cryopreservation of T. khudree spermatozoa. Extender E2 appeared the next best. Extenders based on chicken egg yolk and milk powder were found to be unsuitable for the cryopreservation of T. khudree spermatozoa. Among the cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide provided maximum protection to spermatozoa during freezing and thawing. Propylene glycol and methanol were found to be less effective. Of the four spermatozoa dilutions, 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 showed better motility rates than 1:5. At the former dilution ratios, the motility rates which were more than 95% prior to freezing were reduced to 80-81 and 43-67%, 10 and 70 days after cryopreservation, respectively. The motility duration did not differ much with increasing storage period at all the dilution ratios. Motility rates generally decreased with an increase in frozen storage. When spermatozoa were thawed and stored at 25 degrees C for varying periods, motility percentage, and duration decreased gradually as the storage period increased; spermatozoa stored up to 40 min after thawing retained 55% motility and were motile up to 77s; these values declined further leading to the complete cessation of motility 70 min after storage. The importance of extender-cryoprotectant mixture, milt dilution, and storage period in developing a protocol for T. khudree spermatozoa cryopreservation is discussed.

Animals↗

Developmental capacity of vitrified immature porcine oocytes following ICSI: effects of cytochalasin B and cryoprotectants.

In the present study, effects of concentration and pretreatment time of cytochalasin B (CB), and of two types of cryoprotectant solutions on the nuclear maturation of vitrified-warmed porcine oocytes were examined. Also, the developmental capacity of vitrified immature porcine oocytes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was investigated. The nuclear maturation rate (46.8%) of the vitrified-warmed oocytes treated with 7.5 microg/mL CB for 30 min was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those (13.9-39.2%) of the vitrified-warmed oocytes treated with 0, 2.5, or 5.0 microg/mL CB for 10 or 30 min. Additionally, the nuclear maturation rate of oocytes treated with CB and vitrified in ethylene glycol (EG) (37.1%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of EG + dimethyl sulfoxide (Me(2)SO) (23.9%). However, no significant differences were observed in the cleavage and blastocyst development rates among the control (45.2 and 20.0%, respectively), the EG group (37.8 and 13.5%, respectively) and the EG + Me(2)SO group (39.3 and 14.3%, respectively). These results demonstrated that: (1) pretreatment with 7.5 microg/mL CB was beneficial for the vitrification of immature porcine oocytes; (2) the combination of EG and Me(2)SO as a cryoprotectant was not advantageous for in vitro maturation (IVM) of vitrified immature porcine oocytes; and (3) vitrified-warmed porcine oocytes matured after IVM, developed to the blastocyst stage without distinct differences compared to fresh oocytes following ICSI.

Animals↗

Effect of cooling rates on the cold hardiness and cryoprotectant profiles of locust eggs.

To examine the relationship between cooling rate and cold hardiness in eggs of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, the survival rates and cryoprotectant levels of three embryonic developmental stages were measured at different cooling rates (from 0.05 to 0.8 degrees C min(-1)) in acclimated and non-acclimated eggs. Egg survival rate increased with decreasing cooling rate. The concentration of cryoprotectants (myo-inositol, trehalose, mannitol, glycerol, and sorbitol) increased in non-acclimated eggs, but varied significantly in response to different cooling rates in acclimated eggs. The acclimation process (5 degrees C for 3 days) did not increase eggs resistance to quick cooling ("plunge" cooling and 0.8 degrees C min(-1)). Earlier stage embryos were much more sensitive than later stage embryos to the same cooling rates. Time spent at subzero temperatures also had a strong influence on egg survival.

Adaptation, Biological↗