Preservation of viable bone marrow cells by freezing

Abstract

In a study of low-temperature preservation, mouse bone marrow cells were slow-frozen and fast-thawed. A number of additives, including glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols, were tested for their ability to protect the cells against freezing and thawing damage. Effectiveness of thawed cells to promote recovery in lethally irradiated (900 r) mice was used as a measure of viability. Tyrode's solution, mouse serum, glucose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextran and bovine serum albumin gave little or no protection at the concentrations tested. Polyhydric alcohols and some sugars and other organic compounds were effective at certain concentrations. Results of tests of marrow frozen in 15% glycerol made after storage at various temperatures for various times indicate that liquid nitrogen temperatures give the best long-term storage. The eosin uptake test was found to be a poor assay of the effectiveness of thawed marrow samples. Submitted on November 13, 1959