Temperature dependence of the protective effect of pressurized dissolution of xenon gas during cold storage of cells

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The preservation period afforded by cold storage of cells is short. However, the use of rare gases for cold storage as a means of extending the period of preservation would be highly beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of temperature on the protective effect of cold storage of cells using pressurized dissolution of xenon gas, with particular focus on the inhibition of substance transport by viscosity. METHODS: Human dermal fibroblast monolayers incubated in a culture dish for 48 h were used as a test sample, with culture medium used as a preservation solution. Samples were placed into a pressure-resistant vessel, which was pressurized with xenon gas at 0 or 0.5 MPa, and cells were stored at 0 to 5 °C for 18 h. Cell activity was evaluated by tetrazolium salt assay. The viscosity of the medium under pressurization at each storage temperature was estimated. RESULTS: The maximum protective effect against cell damage of cold storage with pressurized dissolution of xenon gas was observed at 4 °C. An increase in estimated viscosity by pressurization was correlated with increased cell activity at 4 °C. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the temperature dependence of the protective effect against cell damage of cold storage with pressurized dissolution of xenon gas revealed that the most effective temperature is 4 °C. The data also suggest that increased viscosity due to pressurization plays a role in the protective effect.