Comparison of cellular behavior in fresh and cryopreserved human amniotic memebrane before and after xenotransplantation in rat liver

Human amniotic membrane (hAM), the innermost layer of fetal placenta, has been applied extensively in medicine and in animal disease models due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and pro-regenerative effects. Most currently available data derives from use of cryopreserved hAM, however comparative studies of cell viability, morphology and immunoreactivity after transplantation versus fresh hAM are lacking. Comparison between fresh and crypreserved hAM revealed a significative difference only in epithelial layer. Number and viability of epithelial cells was reduced in crypreserved hAM when compared with fresh hAM. After xenotransplantation in rat, no substantial differences on regard with morphology of the two preparations was observed. In conclusion, both types of hAM might be equally suitable for experimental model applications.