Cryopreserved neurons of a mollusc are capable of morphological differentiation in culture in vitro

It was shown in culture in vitro that neurons isolated from the cryopreserved brain of adult molluscs Lymnaea stagnalis L. retain viability. Isolated brains were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors at a rate of 400-500 degrees C/min in the presence of 2 M dimethylsulfoxide. The samples were then plunged into liquid nitrogen and stored from 1 month to 2 years. Upon thawing and removing the cryoprotectant, the neurons were isolated from the brain and then introduced into a cellular culture in vitro. It was shown that the thawed neurons were capable of regenerating new nerve processes similar to those formed by unfrozen neurons in the control.