The protective action of neutral solutes against haemolysis by freezing and thawing

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Abstract
The protective action of 15 neutral solutes against the hemolysis of human red blood cells by freezing and thawing was observed. Solutes tested included mono-, di- and polyhydric alcohols, amides, and sugars. Results of these observations indicate that protection only occurs when the solute is able to permeate the cell and that the wt. concn. of solute required for protection is proportional to its molecular wt. The mechanism of the protective action is explained in terms of the colligative properties of solns. Desiderata for an ideal protective agent are listed. For human cells glycerol fulfills most closely these criteria.