RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The formation of somatic cell banks is affected by, amongst other factors, the cryoprotectant solution used. The selection of an effective solution, therefore, is a primary parameter. OBJECTIVE: We optimized the cryoprotectant used for collared peccary somatic cell cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We categorized cells into different groups based on their cryopreservation and evaluated the morphology, viability, proliferative activity, metabolism, and oxidative stress. One group was cryopreserved in 10% DMSO with 10% fetal bovine serum (DMSO-10FBS), and another with 50% FBS (DMSO-50FBS). The cryopreservation of both groups included the presence of 0.2 M sucrose (DMSO-SUC-10FBS and DMSO-SUC-50FBS). Non-cryopreserved cells and cells cryopreserved with 10% DMSO (DMSO) supplemented with 0.2 M sucrose (DMSO-SUC) were used as controls. RESULTS: There was no difference observed in morphology or viability among the groups. Proliferative activity was reduced in DMSO-10FBS when compared to controls. Although cryopreservation reduced metabolism, no difference was observed among solutions. A lower level of reactive oxygen species was observed in cells of DMSO-SUC-50FBS when compared to other cryoprotectants. Only cells of DMSO-SUC-50FBS had mitochondrial potential similar to non-cryopreserved cells. CONCLUSION: 10% DMSO supplemented with 50% FBS and 0.2 M SUC was observed to be the most efficient cryoprotectant for preserving collared peccary somatic cells.