Effect of gap-junctional cell-to-cell communication on intracellular ice propagation and consequent cell viability

Takanobu Fukunaga, Hiroto Kubo, Kosaku Kurata, Hideto Hirahara, Hai Dong Wang, Hiroshi Takamatsu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Intracellular ice formation (IIF) propagates from cell to cell and causes lethal damage to the cell during the freezing process. In this study, we hypothesized that IIF passes through gap junctions between cells and that blockage of gap junctions increases cell viability after the freeze-thaw process because of the inhibited IIF propagation. Monolayer cultures of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells on glass coverslips were preincubated with and without the gap-junction blocker heptanol and subsequently frozen at different cooling rates on a temperature-controlled stage. Microscopic observations showed that IIF propagation was successfully inhibited in the blocked group. However, cell viability in the blocked group after thawing was significantly lower than that in the non-blocked group. Although results of this study did not confirm our hypotheses, they indicated the important role of gap-junctional communication in the occurrence of IIF and the consequent cell damage.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication24th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration, ICR 2015
PublisherInternational Institute of Refrigeration
Pages4521-4527
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9782362150128
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event24th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration, ICR 2015 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: Aug 16 2015Aug 22 2015

Publication series

NameRefrigeration Science and Technology
ISSN (Print)0151-1637

Other

Other24th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration, ICR 2015
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period8/16/158/22/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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