RESUMEN
Objective To assess the effect of EDFS40 on the structure and vasomotoricity of rabbit carotids in cryopreservation. Methods The fresh carotids, taken from rabbits under aseptic conditions, were preserved for 14 days in liquid nitrogen by vitrification or slow freezing method with both fresh and thawed carotids were observed by visual examination, optical and electron microscopes, respectively. Their endothelium-independent vasoconstriction and vasodilatation were detected in organ bath. Results The morphological changes of the EDFS40-vitrified arteries were similar to those of the fresh carotids under macrography, optical and electron microscopes. And there was no obvious difference in contraction to KCl between the cryopreservation group and the slow-freezing group (P>0.05). The contractile and relaxant responses of vitrified arteries to NE or SNP were significantly better than those of the frozen arteries (P<0.05); both, however, were still inferior to the vasomotoricity of the fresh arteries (P<0.05). Conclusion The rabbit carotids vitrified with EDFS40 can have their structure and vasomotor function maintained without obvious damage, which may indicate the usage of EDFS40 in vitrification of blood vessels.