CRYOprotectants: Replies to Sandberg

From: Twink (neptune@mars.superlink.net)
Date: Sun Dec 28 1997 - 10:16:02 MST


Note: cp = cryoprotectant

At 03:32 PM 12/16/97 +0100, Anders Sandberg <asa@nada.kth.se> wrote:
>> More than one cp?
>> Is a cp "cocktail" better than one cp?
>
>The problem is the combinatoric explosion of the search space.

Agreed, which is why it would be nice to have a model of what is going on
here so that one could use something like computer simulations with a GA
to narrow the search.

>> Perhaps different cps should be used for different
>> tissues?
>
>Problem: how do you get them there?

It might be possible that some cps flow into tissue at different rates, in
which case, a cp cocktail might be made which can be administered
in the same way current ones are.

Also, some tissues/organs might be more important than others here
-- depending on the goal. If one wants merely to preserve the brain,
then one cp might be better at that and not as good at preserving
the whole body.

Perhaps a multistage process might be used in which blood is removed
and cps are injected into the tissues rather than through the main
circulatory system.

>> Perhaps different cps should be used at at different
>> times in the process?
>
>Sounds like a good idea.

:) Of course, we run into timing and delivery problems too.

>> What is its long term optimal working temperature?
>
>Irrelevant, since its only purpose is to limit tissue damage doing
>suspension. Of course, if it caused continuing damage at -170, then it
>would be a concern, but that is rather unlikely.

Just figured I'd bring it up, just in case.

>> Design of "home" cryonics kit for use in emergency situations.
>> (This involves messy legal issues, but the design of
>> one might lead to a wider acceptance of cryonics by
>> making it a fait accompli.)
>
>A fun idea. I can see before me "The Little Cryonicist" for kids:
>suspend your pet (liquid nitrogen not included). Not very likely to
>work, though, since it likely requires medical expertise.

Well, one might make it simpler and work on organisms that are easy to
revive. Such a kit would not only make for good science fiction, but
also might get more people interested in the movement.

(Stanislaw Lem's novel _Fiasco_ has cryonic suspension units inside
walkers on Titan, so that if the pilots of the walker wind up in a pinch,
they can suspend themselves. Early in the novel, there is no way to
revive people, but later on a means develops and one of the
preserved persons is revived.)

Daniel Ust



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