title: Influence of a static magnetic field on the slow freezing of human erythrocytes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to test whether or not a strong static magnetic field (SMF) had a positive effect on the survival rate of frozen erythrocytes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human erythrocytes were slow freezing at a rate of -1°C/min, to a final temperature of -20°C. During the freezing process, the cells were simultaneously exposed to an SMF with a magnetic induction of 0.2 or 0.4 T. After the cells were thawed, the survival rate, morphology, and function of the thawed erythrocytes were evaluated. Furthermore, tests of membrane fluidity were performed to assess the effect of the SMF on the cell membrane.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The slow freezing process coupled with an SMF increased the survival rate of frozen erythrocytes, without any negative effect on the cell morphology or function. The increases in relative survival rates of frozen erythrocytes were 5.7% and 9.1% when the cells were frozen in 0.2 T and 0.4 T groups, respectively. In addition, the 0.4 T group significantly increased the membrane rigidity of the erythrocytes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Slow freezing coupled with a strong SMF produced positive effects on the survival rate of thawed erythrocytes, without changing their normal function.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chun-Yen
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Wei-Jen
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Sheng-Yang
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sheng-Wei
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Che-Tong
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Kan-Shin
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Haw-Ming
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate / Q000378:metabolism; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005990:Glycerol / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D005990:Glycerol