Cryopreservation of human lymphocytes: a brief review and evaluation of an automated liquid nitrogen freezer

Abstract

Successful cryopreservation of human lymphocytes has been previously described. Cryopreserved lymphocytes are useful for a variety of in vitro immunologic studies. This study was performed to determine the applicability and/or advantages of using a programmable freezing system, and compares glycerol versus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at varying concentrations on post-thaw viability, E-rosetting and immunoglobulin fluorescence. Prefreeze T and B lymphocyte percentages were determined. Cells were then frozen in varying concentrations of glycerol and DMSO. Optimum cryoprotectant type and concentration was determined. Lymphocytes from seven individuals were frozen by the batch method in a mechanical freezer and with the automated liquid nitrogen injection system. Data on post-thaw T and B percentages and viability revealed 10% DMSO and liquid nitrogen control freezing method at 1 C/minute as the best conditions for lymphocyte preservation as reflected by post-thaw in vitro testing.