[Transplantation of cryopreserved carotids in the rabbit: effect of cryoprotective agents].

The cryopreservation of blood vessels has been carried out for some decades with variable results. In order to study the behaviour of cryopreserved allografts by using new technique of cryopreservation a study on the ultrastructure arterial tissue consequences by microscopic techniques has been carried. The graft has been harvested from carotid artery of donor rabbit, implanted to a carotid artery of a recipient rabbit and extracted at 1, 3 and 5 months after the operation. An intimal thickening and a cellular loss in the media have been observed. However, good patency has been observed in all cryopreserved allografts. Manifestations of rejection are delayed in groups with polyethylene glycol.