Collection, processing and freezing of equine bone marrow cells.

The research paper focuses on analysing the process of collection and freezing of bone marrow cells from horses, specifically aged ones, and the viability of these cells after cryopreservation.

Objectives of the Study

• The main aim of this study was to determine the methodology of collecting a substantial volume of bone marrow from older horses.
• The researchers sought to gain better insight into bone marrow mononuclear cells’ (BMMCs) recovery and viability after they’ve been cryopreserved.
• The study chiefly analysed three things: the feasibility of collecting up to 200ml from the sternums of older horses, the comparison between the number of cells obtained from the first and last syringe of each puncture, and the influence of heparin concentration on preventing cell aggregation and cell viability after cryopreservation.

Methodology

• Fourteen horses aged between 3 to 24 years were chosen for this study, and they were divided into three different experiments.
• The bone marrow extraction was done with syringes filled with Iscove’s modified Dulbecco’s medium and a variety of sodium heparin concentrations.
• After the BMMCs were counted and the cell viability was determined, the samples were cryopreserved.

Findings of the Study

• The results showed that bone marrow aspirate collection from the sternum is safe, regardless of volume and age of the horse.
• Findings also demonstrated that the number of cells gathered decreases with each additional puncture aspiration, with statistical significance (p < 0.0001).
• The study found that the concentration of heparin influenced cell aggregation. That is, the correct concentration of heparin helps in preventing the cells from clumping together.
• Finally, the study showed that cells remained commercially viable even after being stored in a frozen state for 150 days, implying the cryopreservation method used preserved the functionality of extracted cells.

Concluding Remarks

• Though there’s still no consensus on equine bone marrow collection and processing, this study contributes valuable insights into the field. It charts a path for improved bone marrow collection in horses, enabling better cell recovery prospects and cell viability after cryopreservation.