Flow cytometric analyses of the viability, surface marker expression and function of lymphocytes from children following cryopreservation.

ABSTRACT

Flow cytometric analysis is important for the investigation and clinical preparation of lymphocytes from children. However, the strict requirement of cell freshness and inter­assay variability limits the application of this methodology for pediatric investigations. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a reliable cryopreservative method capable of maintaining high cell viability and proper cell function in lymphocytes from children. In the present study, eight commonly­used cell cyropreservative methods were used, and their effects on cell viability, surface marker expression and cell function were examined. In addition, how these methods affect the distribution of T­cell receptor Vß subfamilies were also determined. The results of the present study provided valuable experimental evidence, based on which the optimal method for the cryopreservation of lymphocytes from children in pediatric investigations and clinical applications can be selected.