Large-scale purification and cryopreservation of human monocytes

J Immunol Methods. 1981;43(2):225-39. doi: 10.1016/0022-1759(81)90027-2.

Abstract

Human blood monocytes were purified by a new method capable of handling 3 X 10(9) mononuclear leukocytes, which does not involve adherence of the cells and takes about 3 h to perform. The yield of monocytes is 70%, the purity about 90% and the viability 99%. Monocytes purified by this method were cryopreserved at -196 degrees C. The function of the cells was tested before freezing and after thawing. We found that the capacity of cryo-preserved monocytes to move to the source of a chemotactic gradient, to ingest particles, to mount a respiratory burst during phagocytosis, to kill intracellular bacteria, to lyse anti-D sensitized erythrocytes and to help autologous lymphocytes in a proliferative response to mitogens or antigens, was preserved by 70% or more as compared with non-frozen cells. Thus, cryopreservation of human blood monocytes is possible with maintenance of functional capacities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Bactericidal Activity
  • Blood Preservation / methods
  • Cell Separation / methods
  • Cell Survival
  • Cryoprotective Agents
  • Freezing
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Cooperation
  • Monocytes / cytology*
  • Monocytes / physiology
  • Preservation, Biological / methods*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / immunology

Substances

  • Cryoprotective Agents