Storage of macrophages at -196 degrees C.

Oil induced mice peritoneal cells were stored at -196 degrees C for 3 months, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective medium. Recovery counts upon thawing were about 90%. Macrophages retained their phagocytic activity of SRBC in 89% and there were no significant differences in spontaneous migration, expression of membrane immune receptors and non-specific cytotoxicity of frozen-thawed cells compared with the controls.