Locksley E. McGann
PhD,University of Waterloo, 1973

Fundamental Cryobiology and Applications in Medicine

Fundamental Cryobiology and Applications in Medicine Scientific Consultant Edmonton Centre
Professor, Laboratory Medicine & Pathology University of Alberta
Professor, Department of Surgery University of Alberta
Adjunct Professor, Surgery University of Calgary
Director, Comprehensive Tissue Centre
Capital Health Authority Laboratory Director
Alberta Cord Blood Bank Staff Member University Hospital Site

Capital Health Authority Red Cross Building
8249 - 114 Street
Edmonton, AB T6G 2R8
Locksley.mcgann@ualberta.ca

Summary of Research

Fundamental Cryobiology and Applications in Medicine
My research is primarily in low-temperature biology, the field of "Cryobiology", which studies the interactions of living systems and low temperatures. This work concentrates on biophysical and physiological responses of cells and tissues at low temperatures, as well as applications of this information in the preservation of cells, tissues, and organs for transplantation, and the destruction of malignant tissues using cryosurgery.

Studies in this area involve a biophysical aspect to understand the changes encountered at low temperatures, and a physiological aspect to understand the response of a living cell or tissue to these conditions. My research projects include a wide range of approaches -- mathematical modeling of cell and tissue responses; theoretical and conceptual aspects of cryobiology; the structure and function of tissues; biophysical and physiological properties of cellular and tissue systems; assessment of function in specific cells and tissues; instrumentation for data acquisition and control.

The experimental tools we use include cryomicroscopy (to observe cells and tissues during freezing and thawing); computer image analysis; a variety of functional assessments for different cells and tissues; mathematical modeling; measurements of membrane osmotic properties; fluorescent labeling of cellular features and functions; morphological alterations using light and electron microscopy; the actions of cryoprotectants (agents that enhance recovery during cryopreservation) and cryosensitizers (agents which enhance injury at low temperatures); actions of naturally-occurring perturbers (e.g. antifreeze proteins).

My research laboratory is directly associated with the Comprehensive Tissue Centre which banks human tissues for transplantation, and conducts applied research on tissues of clinical interest.

Selected Publications

1. Muldrew, K., and McGann, L.E. The osmotic rupture hypothesis of intracellular freezing injury. Biophysical Journal 1994;66:532-541



2. Arnaud, F., Yang, H., and McGann, L.E. Freezing injury of granulocytes during slow cooling: role of the granules. Cryobiology 1996;33:391-403



3. Studholme, C.V., and McGann, L.E. Phase diagram prediction for solutions of interest in cryobiology. In: Advances in Cryogenic Engineering, P. Kittel (Ed), Plenum Press, 1996;41:47-54



4. Zieger, M.A.J., Tredget, E.E., and McGann, L.E. Mechanisms of cryoinjury and cryoprotection in split-thickness skin. Cryobiology 1996;33:376-389



5. Larese, A., Muldrew, K., Acker, J., and McGann, L.E. Antifreeze proteins induce intracellular nucleation. Cryo-Letters 1996;17:175-182



6. McGann, L.E., Acker, J.P. Approaches to the cryopreservation of tissues and organs. In: Organ Procurement and Preservation for Transplantation (2nd Edition), L. Toledo-Pereyra (Ed), R.G. Landes, 1997; (in press)