[DNA damage by active oxygen species in cryopreservation and the antioxydative properties of cryoprotectants].

Several disorders in the DNA structure in the cells of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plant and algae are reviewed. Some causes of the DNA disorders, the reactive oxygen species, especially, are discussed. Some data are shown, that the common used cryoprotectants such as dimethylsulfoxide, glycerol, methanol, sucrose and albumin, are OH* scavengers. Some seldom used cryoprotectors, which scavenges several forms of active oxygen, are described. It is supposed that the antioxidant properties of the cryoprotectors are essential for their mechanism of action.