Functional assessment of cryopreserved human aortas for pharmaceutical research

Cell Tissue Bank. 2004;5(2):119-23. doi: 10.1023/B:CATB.0000034087.26468.5a.

Abstract

We evaluated the impact of standard cryopreservation on functional properties of human aortic homografts. From seven human donors, the thoracic descending aorta was obtained. Effects of cryopreservation on contractibility and endothelium function were tested. After cryopreservation no endothelium-dependent or endothelium-independent relaxation was found and the contractibility was strongly affected. Arteries showed no function and loss of endothelial integrity after cryopreservation and thawing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Aorta, Thoracic* / drug effects
  • Aorta, Thoracic* / physiology
  • Cryopreservation*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroprusside / pharmacology
  • Norepinephrine / pharmacology
  • Tissue Preservation*
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Nitroprusside
  • Acetylcholine
  • Norepinephrine