The Influence of Cryopreservation on Changes in Diameter and Compliance of Allografts in an Animal Experimental Model

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of cryopreservation on changes in diameter and compliance of allografts.MethodsSixty 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.ResultsGradual 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.ConclusionCryo preservation does not protect allografts from stiffening and dilatation.