Cryopreserved human tissue in pharmacological research.

Despite the relevance of human isolated tissue in human pharmacology, its use is still very much the exception rather than the rule. The major reason for this is that the supply of fresh human material is both irregular and unpredictable. This article considers the usefulness of cryopreservation to store human isolated tissues for subsequent pharmacological studies. Despite certain problems, such as some reduction in contractile force and endothelial function, the main biochemical properties and affinities of most agonists and antagonists have been shown to be well preserved. Hence, this technique offers clear potential for ensuring the supply of both vascular and non-vascular human material for pharmacological studies.