Effect of Thawing on Nitric Oxide Synthase III and Apoptotic Markers in Cryopreserved Human Allografts

Significant activation of NOS-III and subsequent NO-cGMP signal pathway occurs in human cryopreserved allografts during the thawing process and can be significantly reduced by a NOS-III inhibitor administered during thawing. Activation of the apoptosis pathway is also present after thawing, which was not correlated to NOS-III activation. Further experimental investigation focused on the time course and mechanisms of apoptosis and NOS-III activation are required to evaluate NOS and(or) apoptosis inhibitors as therapeutic strategies for improved allograft preservation.