title: A convenient and economical freezing procedure for mononuclear cells.
abstract: Cryopreservation techniques have become essential in longitudinal evaluation of lymphocyte function. This study describes a convenient method for freezing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, using a small cryocontainer. Analysis of cell function, assayed by lymphoproliferation to recall antigens and by cytotoxic capacity of activated lymphocytes, was performed in parallel on fresh and frozen-thawed cells. Although cryopreservation did affect lymphocyte function, our results indicate that this freezing method performed equally well compared to a computer controlled device. We conclude that the cryocontainer has proved to be a suitable and practical tool in clinical studies and is an economical alternative to conventional methods.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vingerhoets
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanham
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kestens
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gigase
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000502:physiology*