Biomechanics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biomechanics, including details on mechanics of living organisms, movement, locomotion, prosthetic limbs.

The influence of cryopreservation on changes in diameter and compliance of allografts in an animal experimental model.

Gabriel M, Wachal K, Dzieciuchowicz L, Pawlaczyk K, Krasiński Z, Oszkinis G

Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland. mgabriel@pro.onet.pl

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of cryopreservation on changes in diameter and compliance of allografts. METHODS: Sixty aortic allografts implanted in situ in rats were analyzed. The animals were divided into four groups that received fresh or cryopreserved isogenic (Lewis to Lewis) grafts, or fresh or cryopreserved allogenic (Lewis to DA) grafts, respectively. The diameter and compliance of the grafts were then visually evaluated with the digital video camera recorder after 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. RESULTS: Gradual increase in diameter and decrease in compliance in case of all allogenic and cryopreserved isogenic grafts were observed. The observed changes in cryopreserved grafts were smaller when compared with fresh grafts, however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Cryo preservation does not protect allografts from stiffening and dilatation.

Published 31 July 2006 in Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 32(2): 169-75.
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