X-Message-Number: 3270
Date: Sat, 15 Oct 1994 04:37:16 -0400
From: 
Subject: SCI. CRYONICS cryo-damage

Robert Grahame (an Alcor UK member?) asks some specific questions about the
damage done to cells by current cryopreservation methods. 

I repeat that Cryonics Institute methods, applied to sheep heads, as
evaluated by Ukrainian cryobiologist Dr. Yuri Pichugin and electron
microscopist Prof. Gennadi Zhegunov, appear to result in relatively little
damage, and specifically NO cracks or ruptures by ice crystals, as I
interpret their report and photos. Neurons and their extensions are largely
intact. Cell membranes also appear generally intact, and fine structure
generally well preserved. Cell contents do not diffuse, although there are
some vacuoles and dehydration, and some exfoliation of myelin. 

Some caution is necessary, since this report covers only a single sheep head,
but the report is consistent with other work. There will be follow-ups.

To repeat: For the full report, with selected photos, see the November issue
of THE IMMORTALIST, which should be ready for mailing in about a week. Anyone
may request a complimentary copy, if you supply a mailing address.

Robert Ettinger
Cryonics Institute

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