X-Message-Number: 5026
Date: 21 Oct 95 00:34:28 EDT
From: Mike Darwin <>
Subject: Help on fixed brain patient

I must say I was underwhelmed by the VOLUME of response I got on the 
request for help for the fixed brain case.  I had hoped Cryonetters might 
have known of other forums such as EM forums and histology forums where I 
might have been referred for advice.  Surely such forums must exist?, as 
these are intensely technical fields oriented around "technique" and tricks 
of the trade are a staple required for success.

However, having said the above I wish to point out four bright stars as 
notable exceptions.  All worked hard to help:

First was Doug Skrecky who offered many interesting suggestions and a few 
reassuring references or at least bench-marks in terms of the stability of 
various cell components in fixative under varying conditions and over 
varying periods of time.  This has been useful because it has tipped the 
balance for us in terms of deciding to hold at 3C and post-fix until we can 
complete other studies (starting on Teusday) and until we (depending on the 
outcome of the other studies) can load with vitrifiable amounts of 
cryoprotectant.

The second was Brian Wowk who came up with some VERY creative suggestions 
in dealing with this case that may some day make us rich (hopefully at 
least Brian and me and others at BPI/21st).

The third was Steve Harris who greatly expanded on one of Brian's ideas.  
It was a brilliant expansion and will be likely be of great utility in more 
conventional cryonics cases.

The fourth was Greg Fahy, who helped on request, and who answered many 
specific questions and confirmed my desire to stay awy from amine 
containing vitrifying agents due to the presence of fixative.

If we get 1/10th the benefit out this case I think we will (scientifically) 
it will be one of weirdest paradoxes in history of a very weird field.

Again, thanks to all, especially Doug, who has crossed horns with me in the 
past.  Being willing to set aside differences and resentment or even enmity 
to help do a job well is one of the highest marks of professionalism.  Doug 
has passed this test.  And, BTW, if you want to read some REALLY good and 
very funny sarcasm you should read Doug's Shoot Out At The OK Corral piece 
where he and I square off on the dusty streets of the wild west.  I am 
smiling broadly just thinking about it.  Maybe Kevin can repost it?


Mike Darwin


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