CRYOPRESERVATION AND TRANSPLANTATION OF FETAL ADRENAL-GLANDS IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS

In a syngeneic rat model, the present study investigated the cryobiolo gy of fetal adrenal glands and compared the endocrinological function of cryopreserved versus fresh fetal adrenal transplants in the adrenal ectomized hosts. Ultrastructural studies showed no significant tissue damage by the cryopreserving technique: cellular membranes were intact , the mitochondria showed discrete swelling and vacuoles were found in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Following transplantation, maturation an d bilateral adrenalectomy in the host, assessment of endocrinological parameters demonstrated that survival was prolonged and Addison crisis could be prevented in both transplant groups with no significant diff erence between fresh versus cryopreserved grafts. To our knowledge thi s study presents the first morphological and endocrinological data abo ut the successful transplantation of cryopreserved fetal adrenal gland s in rats. In conclusion, cryopreservation is tolerated well by the ti ssue and long-term banking may therefore contribute to the feasibility and benefit of fetal adrenal transplantation. However, further invest igations will be necessary to evaluate fetal adrenal transplantation i n an allogeneic and xenogeneic setting.