I need to analyze splenocytes by using flow cytometry but I get so many rat spleens at the same time. Can I isolate the cells from spleen and freeze the cells, and then thaw the cells for flow cytometric analysis?
As per my opinion freeze and thawed sample are not suitable for cytometric analysis because Ice crystals that are formed during the freeze-thaw process can cause cell membranes to rupture. Rapid freezing results in ice crystal formation in the outer parts of cells, which causes the interior of the cells to expand, pushing against the plasma membrane until the cell bursts. While slow cooling allows water to leach out and reduce ice crystal formation, slow cooling still leads to cell rupture due to an imbalance in osmotic pressure. If you are freezing live cells or microorganisms, both of these processes can greatly decrease viability