A leukocyte cryopreservation technique for cytogenetic studies

Abstract

Several culture, cryopreservation, freezing and thawing methods were tested to develop an efficient technique for storing cervid and ovine leukocytes. The best results were obtained with McCoy or Vega y Martinez (VYM) solution with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), horse serum and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as cryopreservatives. The best protocol for freezing was 4°C for 30 min followed by 15 min in liquid nitrogen vapor. To thaw, the still frozen material was placed onto cultivation medium for propagation.