First attempts to cryopreserve red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) oocytes

Abstract

Overall, few advances in the cryopreservation of complex cells such as oocytes, embryo or tissue have been registered and in less quantity have been reported for aquatic species.  Abalone has high economic interest worldwide and the conservation of abalone germplasm may help to enhance its culture and develop repopulation programs.  In this work, we reported the cytotoxic effect of two concentration of trehalose (0.2 and 0.4 M) on red abalone oocytes incubated for 10, 15 and 20 min.  Also, we reported the cryopreservation of red abalone oocytes using a 3-steps cryopreservation protocol and 5 thawing protocols.  Significant differences on cytotoxic effect were found (p<0.01).  However, none of the cryoprotectant was optimum to cryopreserve red abalone oocyte. In conclusion, it is necessary to find an appropriate method to dehydrate or make the cryoprotectant penetrate on the abalone oocyte before proceeding to cryopreservation.