A combination of catalase and trehalose as additives to conventional freezing medium results in improved cryoprotection of human hematopoietic cells with reference to in vitro migration and adhesion properties

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of hematopoietic cells from cord blood is an essential component in unrelated transplant settings. Cell damage during freezing is caused by multiple factors, of which membrane damage and oxygen free radical generation are two major factors. It was reported earlier that a combination of catalase and trehalose as additives in freezing medium affords better cryoprotection in terms of long-term culture assays. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Mononuclear and CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood were used as a source of hematopoietic cells. KG1a cell line was used as a model system in adhesion assays. The cells were frozen in a programmable freezer and stored at -196 degrees C. Various homing-related assays were carried out on the frozen cells. RESULTS: Herein it is reported that these two additives afford better preservation of adhesion-and migration-related properties of the frozen cells. The test cells frozen with additives resulted in improved migration toward stromal-derived factor-1 alpha and showed higher expression of its receptor CXCR4. Colony-forming unit assay of migrated test cells showed that these cells are early progenitors having capacity to give rise to all types of myeloid colonies. Test cells also show increased expression of FLT3R and improved responsiveness to FLT3 ligand, the homing-related cytokine. Adhesion to stroma and extracellular matrix was better in test cells as compared to control cells. CONCLUSION: The present data provide evidence that addition of catalase and trehalose to the conventional freezing medium preserves migration-and adhesion-related properties of the hematopoietic graft.