Comparison of vitrification techniques for the formation of the first skin biobank of lesser grison (Galictis cuja Molina, 1782): Insights into species genetic conservation

Abstract

Background

Although skin vitrification is a tool used to create biobanks for wildlife, its appropriate use can vary in a species-specific manner. Since there are no studies on the conservation of lesser grison skin.

Objective

We proposed to assess two vitrification techniques on the in vitro dynamics of cells recovered from cryopreserved skin.

Methods

Skin (9.0 mm³) was cryopreserved using solid-surface vitrification [SSV group] and direct vitrification in cryovials [DVC group]. Non-cryopreserved skin fragments were used as a control (control group). All fragments were assessed for morphology, viability, degree of apoptosis, population doubling time (PDT), metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm).

Results

No differences were observed between the groups regarding morphology and metabolism. However, only the cells from the DVC group exhibited viability and PDT rates similar to the control group (p < 0.05). Both vitrification techniques, DVC and SSV, resulted in significant changes in apoptosis, ROS levels, and ΔΨm compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although both vitrification techniques promote the recovery of lesser grison somatic cells, DVC maintained a more significant number of cell quality parameters than SSV. These results are the first steps toward forming biobanks of genetic resources in this species.