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Cryopreservation of cornea: a low cooling rate improves functional survival of endothelium after freezing and thawing.

Author(s) : ROUTLEDGE C., ARMITAGE W. J.

Type of article: Article

Summary

This study investigated the influence of low cooling rates on endothelial function and morphology of corneas frozen with propane-1,2-diol (PROH). Rabbit corneas were exposed to 1.4 mol/l (10% v/v) PROH, seeded to initiate freezing, and cooled at 0.2 or 1 °C/min to -80 °C. Corneas were frozen immersed in liquid or suspended in air. After being held overnight in liquid nitrogen, corneas were warmed at 1 or 20 °C/min. After stepwise removal of the cryoprotectant, the ability of the endothelium to control corneal hydration was monitored during normothermic perfusion. Morphology was assessed after staining and by specular microscopy during perfusion. Functional survival was achieved only after slow cooling (0.2 °C/min) with the cornea immersed in the cryoprotectant medium, and rapid warming (20 °C/min). These conditions also gave the best morphology after freezing and thawing. Cooling rates lower than those typically applied to cornea improved functional survival of the endothelium.

Details

  • Original title: Cryopreservation of cornea: a low cooling rate improves functional survival of endothelium after freezing and thawing.
  • Record ID : 2004-1439
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Cryobiology - vol. 46 - n. 3
  • Publication date: 2003/06

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