In order to repair cartilage defect in joint with transplantation of cryopreserved homologous embryonic periosteum, 30 rabbits were used and divided into two groups. A 4 mm x 7 mm whole thickness cartilage defect was made in the patellar groove of femur of each rabbit. The homologous embryonic rabbit skull periosteum (ERSP), preserved in two-step freezing schedule, was transplanted onto the cartilage defect of joints of one group and autogenous periosteal graft was done in the joint defect of the other group. The knees were not immobilized, following operation and 16 weeks later, the newly formed tissue in the defects were assessed by gross observation, histochemical examination and biochemical analysis. The results showed that new hyaline-like cartilage was formed in the cryopreserved ERSP grafted knee, and had no significant difference from that of the knee receiving autogenous periosteal graft, but had significant difference from that of the fresh ERSP grafted knee and the non-grafted knee. Furthermore, the new hyaline-like cartilage had the biochemical characteristics of a fibrous cartilage. The conclusion was that this method might be feasible to repair articular cartilage defects.
Objective To observe the effects of cryopreservation and resuscitation on the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived f rom human umbilical cord blood. Methods MSCs were isolated and cultured f rom human umbilical cord blood in vitro. The cells were passaged , and the third generation of MSCs were cryopreserved in－196 ℃ liquid nitrogen for 4 weeks with cryopreservation medium , which contained 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 90 % fetal calf serum ( FCS) . The morphology , proliferation and differentiation of MSCs were investigated and compared with those of MSCs before cryopreservation. Results There was no significant difference of morphology between pre-cryopreserved MSCs and the ones af ter resuscitation. It was observed that all MSCs were spindle-shaped and showed adherence growth characteristic before and af ter cryopreservation. The cell growth curves of MSCs were also similar before and af ter cryopreservation. Even though the curve of resuscitated MSCs descended a little as compared with that of pre-cryopreserved MSCs , there was no significant difference ( Pgt; 0. 05) . After 2-week adipocytic differentiation induction , fat drops could be found in the kytoplasm of MSCs and they were red when stained with oil-red O staining , which suggested that MSCs could be induced and differentiated into adipocytes. Af ter 4-week osteoblastic differentiation induction , MSCs could be induced and differentiated into osteoblasts , and calcium node showed black when stained with Von Kossa staining. There were no significant changes of the differentiating ability of MSCs into adipocyte and osteoblast before and after cryopreservation. Conclusion MSCs derived from human umbilical cord blood maintains their biological characteristics af ter cryopreservation and resuscitation.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate a cryophylactic agent (CPA) to protect tissue engineered tendon (TET) in deep low temperature. METHODS: Sixty-four BALB/C inbred nude mice were chosen, which included 4 as blank control group, left sides of 60 as experimental group and their right sides as control group. Transformed human embryonic tendon cells of the 54th passage and artificial materials of carbon fiber (CF) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) were co-cultured in vitro to construct TET. TET was frozen in liquid nitrogen with four kinds of CPA (groups A, B, C, and D) for 2 months. They were thawed quickly and transplanted into hind limbs of nude mice to repair the defects of Achilles tendon, which was 5 mm in length and 65.7% of total Achilles tendon. In control group, no cryopreservation treatment was taken. The morphological, histological, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemistry examinations were made and short tandem repeat loci were detected 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the morphological properties of tendon cells resumed gradually and the capability of synthesizing collagen enhanced by degrees. Tendon cells survived and could secret type I collagen and there was less difference between experimental and control groups 12 weeks after transplantation. In group A, vacuole in mitochondrion of tendon cell decreased, tendon cell arranged in order and abundant collagen fibers were found and linked. CONCLUSION: The cryopreservation agent in group A can protect TET in deep low temperature.
OBJECTIVE To search an optimal method for improving viability of cryopreserved articular cartilage. METHODS Articular cartilage which was sampled from the rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups. Fresh cartilage was group I, other groups were frozen. Before frozen, other cartilage was exposured in 10% DMSO at 4 degrees C for 30 minutes(group II), 1 hour(group III), 2 hours (group IV), 4 hours(group V), then were stored in liquid nitrogen for 1 week. Viabilities of the chondrocytes were detected by Typan-blue staining, electron transmission microscope, and determination of incorporation 3H-TdR after the temperature returned to normal. RESULTS 1. The cells were injuried at different extent after the cartilage was frozen. In group I, survival rate of cells was 96% and incorporation of 3H-TdR was (4,953.13 +/- 583.27)%, statistic difference was significant between group I and other groups(P lt; 0.01). The microstructure of group I was normal while other groups all had damage of the organella, 2. Structures and functions of cells in group IV were best among frozen groups. Organella were less damaged than group II, III, V, survival rate of cells was 56% and incorporation of 3H-TdR was (1,139.88 +/- 146.39)%, statistic difference was significant between group IV and group II, III, V(P lt; 0.01). CONCLUSION If cartilage are exposured in 10% DMSO at 4 degrees C for 2 hours before frozen, optimal cryopreservation can be achieved.
Abstract In order to determine the fasibility of reestablishment of circulation with cryopreserved microvenous allografts (1.0～1.4mm in diameter), 40 rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In the control group, the fresh autografts were used. In the experimental group, 20 rabbitsfemoral vein segments were treated by a two-step freezing procedure. After stored in liquid nitrogen for 48 hours, the segments were implanted into the femoral veins as allografts. The histological as well as the pathological studies were performed with light and electron microscope, and its patency was determined by angiography. The results showed that the preservation of vein was generally good. The rejective response was weak. The patency rates of 1 week and 12 weeks were 90% and 85% respectively, and there was no significant difference with that of the allogenic fresh autografts (Pgt;0.05). It was suggested that clinical use of cryoperserved allogenic microvein grafts instead of fresh autografts was possible.
【Abstract】 Objective To isolate and culture human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HAFMSCs),to investigate a better cryopreservation protocol of HAFMSCs and to observe the biocharacteristics and the multi-potential of HAFMSCs after cryopreservation for the further fundamental researches and cl inical appl ications. Methods HAFMSCswere isolated from the amniotic fluid of pregnant women during the second trimester by the improved two-step method.HAFMSCs were cryopreserved with different cryopreservation protocols (containing different contents of FBS and DMSO atcryoprotectant) in l iquid nitrogen for 12 weeks. The biocharacteristics of the HAFMSCs after cryopreservation were analyzed. The growth characteristics were observed by MTT method and the growth curves were drawn. The surface antigens of HAFMSCs were detected using flow cytometry, including CD29, CD34, CD44, CD45, CD73, and CD90. The adi pogenic and osteogenic differentiation abil ities of HAFMSCs were observed. The mRNA levels of Oct-4 and Nanog of the HAFMSCs were compared between before and after cryopreservations. Results At 12 weeks after cryopreservation, different protocols had different effects on the cell viabil ity; the better formula of cryoprotectant was 50% DMEM, 40% FBS, and 10% DMSO. After cryopreservation, the cells proliferated rapidly and the growth curves showed “S” shape, which was the same as the cells before cryopreservation. Phenotype showed that HAFMSCs were positive for the surface markers CD29, CD44, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD34 and CD45. After 21 days of adi pogenic differentiation, the l ipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining. After 21 days of osteogenic differentiation, the calcium mineralizations were verified by von Kossa staining. There was no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in the mRNA levels of Oct-4 and Nanog between before and after cryopreservations. Conclusion HAFMSCs have rapid proliferation and multi-potential in vitro. The cells have high viabil ities and no changes of the biocharacteristics and differentiation potential ities after cryopreservation for 12 weeks. Cryoprotectant containing 50% DMEM, 40% FBS, and 10% DMSO is a better cryopreservation protocol.
Objective To study the research method of cell survival rate at the procedure of cryopreservation of tissue engineered tendons.Methods In the 4thgeneration of human fibroblasts, the dead cells were stained with propidium iodine (PI), while the living cells with Hoechst 33342(Ho). The living cells and dead cells emitted fluorescence of red and blue respectively after they were stimulated by suitable ultra-violet, then flow cytometry was applied to distinguishthem. The seeding cells were collected to make them to be the cell suspension of suitable concentration(6.0×105 cell/ml) before they were divided into two parts. We cryopreserved and defrosted one part three times to kill the cells and didnot cryopreserve the other part, then we made cell suspension at different ratios of cryopreserved cell to noncryopreserved cells. The fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to study the correlation between cell ratios of cryopreservedcell to non-cryopreserved cell and the cell survival rates. We compared the cll survival rates between immediate flow cytometry and that 2 hours after fluorescence staining. Results The results of flow cytometry showed that correlation between the ratio of cryopreservation and the cell survival rate was significant (r=0.970，Plt;0.05), image analysis study also showed the correlation was significant (r=0.982，Plt;0.05).The cell survival rate decreased by use of flow cytometry twohours after fluorescence staining, but there was no significant difference when compared with that of immediate flow cytometry (Pgt;0.05). We could also observe the cells on the tissue engineered tendons by fluorescence image directly.Conclusion Flow cytometry and fluorescence image afterPI and Ho staining is a good way in study cell survival rate at the procedure of cryopreservationof tissue engineered tendons.
Objective To observe the long-term effectiveness of tendon allograft to repair tendon defect. Methods Between October 1996 and September 1999, 24 patients with tendon defect were treated with tendon allograft which was cultured with deoxyguanosine and preserved at low-temperature or ultra-deep-low-temperature. There were 19 males and 5 females, aged from 12 to 46 years with an average of 25.9 years. These patients included 7 cases of total extensor tendon defect of 2nd-5th fingers, 7 cases of index finger extensor tendon defect, 3 cases of deep flexor tendon defect of 2nd- 5th fingers, 1 case of ring finger deep flexor tendon defect, 3 cases of long extensor tendon defect of 2nd-5th toes, 2 cases of long extensor hallucis tendon defect, and 1 case of shoulder adduction missing. The sizes of tendon defect ranged from 5 to 15 cm. The mean time from injury to operation was 1.3 months (range, 2 hours to 3 months). Results Incisions healed by first intention. No deep infection, infectious diseases, and obvious immune rejection occurred. All patients were followed up from 10 to 12 years with an average of 10.8 years. When compared with contralateral sides, at 10 years of follow-up, 1 patient lost 6-10° flexion function; after 10.6 years, flexion tendon releasing was performed; allografted tendon had normal color and elasticity with decreased diameter and with mild and moderate adherence; and after releasing, function was improved. According to Hand Surgery Association assessment standard, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 6, and poor in 6; the excellent and good rate was 75%. Conclusion Tendon allograft which is cultured with deoxyguanosine and preserved at low-temperature or ultra-deep-low-temperature is safe to use in cl inical, which has good long-term effectiveness in treating tendon defect.
Objective To investigate an effect of differenttemperature cryopreservation of the two-step freezing method on the Schwann cell biological activity in the peripheral nerve of the rat. Methods Eighty femaleSD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups of 10 rats each. One was the control group and 7 were the experimental groups. Two 2-cm-long sciatic nerve segments were respectively taken from both legs of each rat. In the control group, the sciatic nerve segments did not undergo the treatment of cryopreservation; however, in the 7 experimental groups, the sciatic nerve segments respectively underwent the different temperature cryopreservation of the twostep freezing method at -20℃, -30℃, -40℃, -50℃, -60℃, -70℃ and -80℃. The sciatic nerve segments were cryopreserved for 2 hours，and then placed into the liquid nigrtrogen at -196℃. After 48 hours of storage，the nerve segments werethawed quickly in the 37℃ water bath box for 1 minute. Then, the sciatic nerve segments each group were harvested. The cells of the sciatic nerve were incubated with Calcein-AM for 15 minutes. The average fluorescence intensity of the cells was measured by the flow cytometry. The nerve fibers were also incubated with Calcein-AM for 15 minutes. The fluorescence intensity of the cells was analyzed by the confocal fluorescence microscope. The Schwann cell biological activity intensity was measured. Results The fluorescence intensity in the -40℃ group was the best and the Schwann cell biological activity in this group was thebest among all the groups（P＜0.01）. The fluorescence intensity in the 8 groups measured by the flow cytometry was as follows：242.522 0±9.568 4 in the control group，168.677 0±10.207 0 in the -20 ℃ group，214.992 0±8.329 1 in the -30 ℃ group，235.526 0±9.280 5 in the -40 ℃ group，222.434 0±8.515 5 in the -50 ℃ group，217.409 0±9.515 7 inthe -60 ℃ group，132.376 0±13.459 7 in the -70 ℃ group， and 108.132 0±16.033 1 in the -80 ℃ group. The fluorescence intensity detected by the confocal fluorescence microscope was as follows：143.700 0±5.567 8 in the control group，119.700 0±5.161 5 in the -20 ℃ group，121.300 0±4.347 4 in the -30 ℃ group，700 0±5.012 2 in the -40 ℃ group，121.000 0±4.546 1 in the -50 ℃ group，118.400 0±4.9261 in the -60 ℃ group，81.200 0±5.116 4in the -70 ℃ group，and 79. 000 0±5.716 4 in the -80 ℃ group. Conclusion The Schwann cell biological activity treated by the two-step freezing methodcan be preserved and the activity is cryopreserved best at -40 ℃.
Objective To observe the configuration and viability of full thickness human fetal retina after short-, mid- and long-term preservation. Methods Twenty-two full thickness human fetal retinae of gestational age of 12-24 weeks were coated by glutin and cut into 88 pieces, and then preserved in Ames' solution, DX solution, -80℃ refrigerator or under cryopreservation condition. The cell viability of retinal neuroepithelial layer was determined by trypan blue staining, retinal configuration was determined by light microscope and electromicroscope. Results The viability of neuroepithelial layer was (94.79plusmn;2.85) % in fresh fetal retina, gt;80% in Ames' solution within 4 hours, and gt;77% in DX solution within 2 days. There was no significant difference between those solution-preservations and the fresh fetal. In -80℃ refrigerator, the viability was (65.83plusmn;5.06)% after 7 days, and then dropped to (57.54plusmn;16.18)% at the end of the first month. Under the cryopreservation condition, the viability was (69.46plusmn;9.31)% at the end of first month. Light and transmission electron microscopy had not deteced any abnormals in the full thickness human fetal retina preserved in Ames' solution within 2 hours, but showed clear retinal layers with bigger intercellular space after preserved in DX solution for 2 days, in -80℃ refrigerator for 7 days and under cryopreservation condition for 1 month. Conclusion Ames' solution and DX solution can preserve good viability and configuration of full thickness human fetal retina in a certain time period.
