Cryoprotection of red blood cells by a 2,3-butanediol containing mainly the levo and dextro isomers.
A 2,3-butanediol containing 96.7% (w/w) racemic mixture of the levo and dextro isomers and only 3.1% (w/w) of the meso isomer (called 2,3-butanediol 97% dl) has been used for the cryoprotection of red blood cells. The erythrocytes were cooled to -196 degrees C at rates between 2 and 3500 degrees C/min, followed by slow or rapid warming. Up to 20% (w/w) of this polyalcohol, only the classical peak of survival is observed, as with up to 20% (w/w) 1,2-propanediol or 1,3-butanediol. Twenty percent 2,3-butanediol 97% dl can protect red blood cells very efficiently. The maximum survival, of 90%, as with 20% glycerol, is a little lower than with 20% 1,2-propanediol and higher than with 20% 1,3-butanediol. Fifteen percent 2,3-butanediol protects fewer red blood cells than 15% glycerol or 1,2-propanediol, with a maximum survival of about 80%. The best cryoprotection by 30% 2,3-butanediol 97% dl is obtained at the slowest cooling and warming rates, where survival approaches 90%. After a minimum, an increase of survival is observed at the fastest cooling rates, which would correspond to complete vitrification. These rates are lower than with 30%, 1,2-propanediol or 1,3-butanediol, in agreement with the higher glass-forming tendency of 2,3-butanediol 97% dl solutions. In agreement with the remarkable physical properties of its aqueous solutions, the present experiments also suggest that 2,3-butanediol containing mainly the levo and dextro isomers could be a very useful cryoprotectant for organ cryopreservation. However, it would perhaps be better to use it in combination with other cryoprotectants, since it is a little more toxic than glycerol or 1,2-propanediol at high concentrations.
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Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Structurale, Unité INSERM 217, Grenoble, France.
D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D002072:Butylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D004905:Erythrocyte Aging; D004912:Erythrocytes; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D002072:Butylene Glycols; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; C026978:2,3-butylene glycol