T-cell subset analysis of cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

A criticism of current techniques for monitoring changes in T-cell subset numbers over extended periods in individuals with disease states in which such changes might provide insight in the fact that serial samples taken are usually analysed fresh and therefore not in the same assay. To try to overcome this problem we have stored peripheral blood mononuclear cells frozen in liquid nitrogen and thence examined their ability to form sheep red blood cell (E) rosettes and to label with OK monoclonal antibodies. Results obtained show that cell viabilities following freezing and T-cell subset analysis of E-rosette positive cells are no different when fresh or frozen and subsequently thawed peripheral blood mononuclear cells are used.