Objective To establish an effective way to cryopreserveprecartilaginous stem cells(PSCs) of neonate rat. Methods PSCs ［fibroblast growth factor-3(FGFR-3) positive cells］ were isolated and purified by magnetic cell sorting method. PSCs were cultured and amplified to the third generation. PSCs were preserved in liquid nitrogen. The biological properties of cryopreserved PSCs were investigated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Results Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analysis showed widespread expression of FGFR-3 in cryopreserved PSCs. FGFR-3 could be dectected by RT-PCR in cryopreserved PSCs.Cryopreserved PSCs kept high cell viability, and phenotypic and proliferation characteristics of PSCs in vivo.Conclusion Cryopreservation of PSCs can supply adequate qualified cells for repairing the defects of epiphyseal growth plate by tissue engineering technique.
