Cryopreservation and culture of the human fetal brain tissues.

Abstract

Human embryos after 3-4.5 months of gestation were obtained with abortion. The brain tissue of the bodies was scissored up to obtain 1-3 mm3 pieces, and 7% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), as a cryoprotectant, was added, and then stored at -70 degrees C for 1-30 days or at -196 degrees C for 1-84 days. The survival rate of stored cells was 64%-88%. During 6 days of storage with neuron culture medium, the survival rate of cells at 4 degrees C is over 50% each day, but, as time goes on, the count of the cells is getting less and less. The cells washed out DMSO after cryopreservation and the planting fresh cells can adhere to the wall of the culture bottle, grow, display various forms of neurons and gliacytes. From the above findings, it was suggested that: 1) The fetal human brain tissue, handled properly, can endure cryopreservation with 7% DMSO as a cryoprotective agent; 2) The storage time was related insignificantly to the survival rate of the tissues stored; 3) It is available for a short preservation at 4 degrees C; and 4) It is possible to set up a bank of fetal human brain tissue.