X-Message-Number: 9555
Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 11:41:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: ethylene glycol toxicity

Authors
  Wusteman M.  Busza A.  Boylan S.  Hayes A.  Pegg D.
Institution
  Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom.
Title
  Ethylene glycol permeation and toxicity in the rabbit common carotid artery.
Source
  Cryobiology.  32(5):428-35, 1995 Oct.
Abstract
  The rate of permeation of ethylene glycol (EG) and the maximum concentration
  that can be tolerated without functional damage was measured in the rabbit
  common carotid artery. Pairs of arteries were perfused on ice, one (the
  control) with a high K+ balanced salt solution containing 100 mM TES (CPTES),
  and the other with ethylene glycol/CPTES solutions. The concentration of EG
  was increased in a stepwise manner in order to reduce osmotically induced
  changes in endothelial cell volume. The final concentration was 10, 20, or
  40% EG (w/w). After exposure for 20 min, the EG was then removed at room
  temperature using stepwise decreasing concentrations of ethylene glycol in
  the presence of 3% mannitol. After this, the contractile function of the
  smooth muscle was tested at 37 degrees C with noradrenaline and the integrity
  of the endothelium was assessed structurally by vital staining and
  functionally by its capacity to produce endothelium-derived relaxation factor
  in response to administration of acetylcholine. The tissue concentration
  reached 8.6% after 30 min of exposure to 10% EG. The contractile function of
  the smooth muscle was unaffected by EG at all concentrations. There was a
  significant (50%) reduction in the ACh-induced relaxation of contracted
  arteries after exposure to 40% EG (P < 0.02) but this was not associated with
  any detectable loss of cells or damage to the endothelium. It was concluded
  that EG warrants further investigation as a cryoprotectant for blood vessels.

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