JP5935313B2

JP5935313B2 - Cryopreservation equipment

Info

Publication number: JP5935313B2
Application number: JP2011277742A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 典久笹山
Original assignee: Nipro Corp
Current assignee: Nipro Corp
Priority date: 2010-12-17
Filing date: 2011-12-19
Publication date: 2016-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-19
Also published as: JP2012140422A

Description

本発明は、哺乳動物の卵、胚等を凍結保存するために使用する凍結保存器具に関する。 The present invention relates to a cryopreservation device used for cryopreserving mammalian eggs, embryos and the like.

哺乳動物の卵や胚等の凍結保存は、遺伝資源の保存を可能とし、家畜の育種改良、絶滅危惧種の維持、さらには、ヒトの不妊治療においても有用である。
従来、哺乳動物の卵や胚等の凍結保存方法として、バイアルやストロー等の凍結保存用容器の内面に、卵や胚等をガラス化液で包被して貼り付け、凍結保存用容器を密封した後、液体窒素に接触させて急速に冷却する方法が知られている（特許文献１）。
しかし、このような凍結保存方法では、凍結保存容器の内面に、卵や胚等を貼り付ける作業が容易でないという課題があった。 The cryopreservation of mammalian eggs and embryos enables the preservation of genetic resources, and is useful in improving breeding of livestock, maintaining endangered species, and treating human infertility.
Conventionally, as a cryopreservation method for mammalian eggs, embryos, etc., eggs, embryos, etc. are encapsulated with vitrification solution on the inside of cryopreservation containers such as vials and straws, and the cryopreservation container is sealed. After that, a method of rapidly cooling by contacting with liquid nitrogen is known (Patent Document 1).
However, such a cryopreservation method has a problem that it is not easy to attach an egg, an embryo, or the like to the inner surface of the cryopreservation container.

係る課題を解決するために、耐寒性材料により形成された本体部と、本体部の一端に取り付けられ、可撓性かつ透明性かつ液体窒素耐性材料により形成された卵付着保持用ストリップと、卵付着保持用ストリップを被包可能に本体部に着脱自在に取り付けられる一端が封鎖され、かつ耐寒性材料により形成された筒状部材４からなる卵凍結保存用具が考案されている（特許文献２）。 In order to solve the problems, a main body portion formed of a cold-resistant material, an egg attachment holding strip attached to one end of the main body portion and formed of a flexible, transparent, liquid nitrogen-resistant material, and an egg An egg cryopreservation tool has been devised comprising a cylindrical member 4 formed of a cold-resistant material, with one end removably attached to a main body so as to be capable of encapsulating an adhesion holding strip (Patent Document 2). .

特許文献２に記載の卵凍結保存用具は、卵付着保持用ストリップの先端部に卵を少量のガラス化液とともに付着させ、ストリップ部分を液体窒素に浸漬し凍結させた後に、筒状部材を本体部材に取り付け、収納容器（ケーン）に収納後、収納容器ごと液体窒素タンク内に入れて保存して、使用するものである。 In the egg cryopreservation device described in Patent Document 2, the egg is attached to the tip of the egg adhesion holding strip together with a small amount of vitrification liquid, and the strip portion is immersed in liquid nitrogen and frozen, and then the cylindrical member is attached to the main body. After attaching to a member and storing in a storage container (cane), the storage container is stored in a liquid nitrogen tank for use.

しかしながら、このような卵凍結保存用具では、本体部に筒状部材を取り付ける際に、筒状部材保持具で筒状部材を保持して本体部に取り付ける必要があるため、操作が容易ではなく、煩雑な物であった。また、筒状部材を本体部に取り付ける際に、卵付着保持用ストリップに付着した卵に筒状部材が当たるなどして、ストリップから卵を含む凍結液が剥離し、卵が喪失したり損傷する恐れもあった。 However, in such an egg cryopreservation tool, when attaching the cylindrical member to the main body, it is necessary to hold the cylindrical member with the cylindrical member holder and attach it to the main body, so the operation is not easy, It was a complicated thing. In addition, when the cylindrical member is attached to the main body, the cylindrical member hits the egg attached to the egg adhesion holding strip, and the frozen liquid containing the egg peels off from the strip, and the egg is lost or damaged. There was also fear.

特開２０００−１８９１５５号公報JP 2000-189155 A 特開２００２−３１５５７３号公報JP 2002-315573 A

このような問題に鑑み、本発明は、卵や胚等の凍結保存器具であって、卵や胚等を安全に凍結保存することができ、かつ凍結保存時の操作性を向上することができる凍結保存器具の提供を目的とする。 In view of such problems, the present invention is a cryopreservation instrument for eggs, embryos, etc., which can safely cryopreserve eggs, embryos, etc., and can improve operability during cryopreservation. The purpose is to provide cryopreservation equipment.

本発明の凍結保存器具は、基端および先端を軸方向に備える柱状の本体部と、該本体部の先端に設けられた保持部と、該保持部を被包可能な筒状部材とを備え、前記保持部は、卵子細胞、卵子、卵および胚からなる群より選ばれる少なくとも一つを保持し、前記本体部、保持部および筒状部材は液体窒素耐性材料からなる凍結保存器具であって、前記筒状部材は、前記本体部に外嵌されており、前記保持部を露出させる第一の位置から、前記保持部を被包する第二の位置へ、前記本体部の軸方向に摺動可能であることを特徴とする。 The cryopreservation instrument of the present invention includes a columnar main body having a proximal end and a distal end in the axial direction, a holding portion provided at the distal end of the main body, and a cylindrical member capable of encapsulating the holding portion. The holding part holds at least one selected from the group consisting of an ovum cell, an ovum, an egg and an embryo, and the main body part, the holding part and the cylindrical member are cryopreservation devices made of a liquid nitrogen resistant material, The cylindrical member is externally fitted to the main body portion, and slides in the axial direction of the main body portion from a first position where the holding portion is exposed to a second position where the holding portion is encapsulated. It is possible to move.

また、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記筒状部材の内面には係合突起が設けられ、前記本体部には第一被係合部が設けられ、前記第一の位置においては、該係合部と該第一被係合部が係合しており、前記係合が解除されることにより、前記筒状部材が摺動可能としても良い。 In the cryopreservation device of the present invention, an engagement protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, a first engaged portion is provided on the main body portion, and the engagement portion is provided at the first position. The tubular member may be slidable by engaging the mating portion and the first engaged portion and releasing the engagement.

さらに、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記本体部には、前記第一被係合部より先端側に第二被係合部が設けられ、該第二被係合部は、前記第二の位置において、前記係合突起と契合するようにしても良い。 Further, in the cryopreservation device according to the present invention, the main body portion is provided with a second engaged portion on a distal end side from the first engaged portion, and the second engaged portion is provided with the second engaged portion. The position may engage with the engaging protrusion.

また、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記第二の位置にある前記筒状部材の軸方向への摺動を制限する固定機構を備えても良い。 In addition, the cryopreservation device of the present invention may include a fixing mechanism that limits sliding of the cylindrical member in the second position in the axial direction.

さらに、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記固定機構は、前記係合突起と前記第二被係合部との係合からなり、前記第二被係合部は、前記本体部の外周の一部に溝状に設けられており、前記係合突起が、前記溝状に設けられた第二被係合部を周方向に回転することで、前記筒状部材の軸方向への摺動が制限されるようにしても良い。 Furthermore, in the cryopreservation device of the present invention, the fixing mechanism includes an engagement of the engagement protrusion and the second engaged portion, and the second engaged portion is a part of an outer periphery of the main body portion. And the engagement protrusion rotates in the circumferential direction on the second engaged portion provided in the groove shape, so that the cylindrical member slides in the axial direction. It may be limited.

また、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記第二の位置からさらに先端方向に摺動し、前記本体部から取り外し可能としても良い。 Further, the cryopreservation device of the present invention may be further slidable in the distal direction from the second position and removable from the main body.

また、本発明の凍結保存器具は、前記第二被係合部は、前記本体部の外周に溝状に設けられており、前記本体部の第二被係合部より先端側には、外周の一部に前記本体部の先端まで続く先端部摺動面が設けられており、前記係合突起が前記先端部摺動面に接する位置まで前記筒状部材が周方向に回転された状態で、前記係合突起と前記第二被係合部との係合が解除されることにより、前記筒状部材が、前記第二の位置からさらに先端方向に摺動可能としても良い。 Further, in the cryopreservation device of the present invention, the second engaged portion is provided in a groove shape on the outer periphery of the main body portion, and the outer periphery is provided on the distal end side of the second engaged portion of the main body portion. A tip end sliding surface that extends to the tip of the main body portion is provided at a part of the cylindrical member, and the cylindrical member is rotated in a circumferential direction until the engagement protrusion is in contact with the tip end sliding surface. The cylindrical member may be further slidable in the distal direction from the second position by releasing the engagement between the engagement protrusion and the second engaged portion.

本発明の凍結保存器具は、摺動により簡単に保持部を筒状部材内に収納することでき、かつ、卵や胚等が喪失や損傷することなく凍結保存することができる。 The cryopreservation device of the present invention can easily store the holding portion in the cylindrical member by sliding, and can be cryopreserved without losing or damaging eggs, embryos, or the like.

本発明の実施例１にかかる凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第一の位置にある外観図である。It is an external view which has the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 1 of this invention in a 1st position. 図１の凍結保存器具を本体部の軸を中心に周方向右に９０度回転した時の中央断面図である。FIG. 2 is a central cross-sectional view of the cryopreservation device of FIG. 図１の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置にある中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view in which the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument of Drawing 1 is in the 2nd position. 図１の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置から、周方向に回転された状態の中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view of the state where the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument of Drawing 1 was rotated in the peripheral direction from the 2nd position. 図１の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置から、さらに先端方向に摺動し、本体部から取り外された状態の中央断面図である。FIG. 2 is a central cross-sectional view of a state in which the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation device of FIG. 1 is further slid from the second position in the distal direction and removed from the main body. 本発明の実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第一の位置にある外観図である。It is an external view which has the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 2 of this invention in a 1st position. 図６の凍結保存器具を本体部の軸を中心に周方向右に９０度回転した時の中央断面図である。FIG. 7 is a central cross-sectional view of the cryopreservation device of FIG. 6 when rotated 90 degrees to the right in the circumferential direction around the axis of the main body. 図６の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置にある中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view in which the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument of Drawing 6 is in the 2nd position. 図６の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置から、周方向に回転された状態の中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view of the state where the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument of Drawing 6 was rotated in the peripheral direction from the 2nd position. 図６の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置から、さらに先端方向に摺動し、本体部から取り外された状態の中央断面図である。FIG. 7 is a central cross-sectional view of a state in which the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation device of FIG. 6 is further slid from the second position in the distal direction and removed from the main body. 本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第一の位置にある外観図である。It is an external view which has the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 3 of this invention in a 1st position. 図１１の凍結保存器具を本体部の軸を中心に周方向に９０度回転したときの中央断面図である。FIG. 12 is a central cross-sectional view of the cryopreservation device of FIG. 11 when rotated 90 degrees in the circumferential direction about the axis of the main body. 本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具の本体部のみの外観図である。It is an external view only of the main-body part of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 3 of this invention. 図１１の凍結保存器具の筒状部材が第二の位置にある中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view in which the cylindrical member of the cryopreservation instrument of FIG. 11 is in the second position. 本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具の固定機構を示す拡大図である。It is an enlarged view which shows the fixing mechanism of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 3 of this invention. 本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具の固定機構の別の態様を示す拡大図である。It is an enlarged view which shows another aspect of the fixing mechanism of the cryopreservation instrument concerning Example 3 of this invention.

１凍結保存器具
２本体部
２１把持部
２１１凹凸部
２２被摺動部
２２１第一被係合部
２２２第二被係合部
２２２１傾斜部
２２２２固定凹部
２２３第一の戻り防止突起
２２４凸部
２３先端部
２３１先端部摺動面
２３２第二の戻り防止突起
３保持部
３１孔
３２凹部
４筒状部材
４１係合突起
４１１固定凸部
４２リブ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cryopreservation instrument 2 Main body part 21 Grasping part 211 Uneven part 22 Sliding part 221 First engaged part 222 Second engaged part 2221 Inclined part 2222 Fixed recessed part 223 First return prevention protrusion 224 Convex part 23 Tip Part 231 Tip sliding surface 232 Second return preventing projection 3 Holding part 31 Hole 32 Concave part 4 Tubular member 41 Engaging protrusion 411 Fixed convex part 42 Rib

以下、本発明の凍結保存器具を図面に示す実施例を用いて説明すると、図１〜図１６に示すように、凍結保存器具１は、本体部２と、保持部３と、筒状部材４とを有する。また、本発明において先端方向とは、凍結保存器具１の軸方向における、保持部３に向かう方向、即ち、図１〜１６の右から左に向かう方向を示している。一方、基端方向とは、凍結保存器具１の軸方向における、本体部２に向かう方向、即ち、図１〜１６の左から右に向かう方向を示している。 Hereinafter, the cryopreservation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, the cryopreservation device 1 includes a main body portion 2, a holding portion 3, and a tubular member 4. And have. Moreover, in this invention, the front-end | tip direction has shown the direction which goes to the holding | maintenance part 3 in the axial direction of the cryopreservation instrument 1, ie, the direction which goes from the right to the left of FIGS. On the other hand, the base end direction indicates a direction toward the main body 2 in the axial direction of the cryopreservation instrument 1, that is, a direction from left to right in FIGS.

（実施例１）
以下本発明の実施例１にかかる凍結保存器具について図１〜図５を用いて説明する。
凍結保存器具１は、生体試料、主に哺乳動物の卵子細胞、卵子、卵、胚等を凍結保存するための器具である。後述する液体窒素に浸漬する操作をする際にも凍結保存器具を把持できるように、細長い柱状の形状となっている。 Example 1
Hereinafter, a cryopreservation apparatus according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The cryopreservation instrument 1 is an instrument for cryopreserving biological samples, mainly mammalian egg cells, eggs, eggs, embryos and the like. It has an elongated columnar shape so that the cryopreservation instrument can be gripped even during an operation of immersing in liquid nitrogen, which will be described later.

本体部２は、把持部２１と、被摺動部２２とおよび先端部２３とを有し、図２に示す様に、先端方向から先端部２３、被摺動部２２、把持部２１の順に設けられている。把持部２１、被摺動部２２および先端部２３はプラスチック材料により、一体に成形される。プラスチック材料としては、例えば、ポリエステル（例えば、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリブチレンテレフタレート）、ポリオレフィン（例えば、環状ポリオレフィン、ポリエチレン、超高分子量ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、エチレン−プロピレン共重合体、エチレン−酢酸ビニル共重合体）、スチレン系樹脂（例えば、ポリスチレン、メタクリレート−スチレン共重合体、メタクリレート−ブチレン−スチレン共重合体）、ポリアミド（例えば、６ナイロン，６６ナイロン）、ポリサルホン、フッ素樹脂、ポリイミド等の耐寒性樹脂が使用される。本発明の凍結保存器具１は、液体窒素に浸漬させて使用するものであるため、上記耐寒性樹脂の中でも、特に、凍結保存の際に使用される液体窒素の温度に耐え得るものが好ましい。
また、本体部２は、細長い柱状の形状となっており、本実施例で示す様な円柱状または、細長い平板状となっている。本体部２の長さとしては、保持部を液体窒素に浸漬しても手で把持できるように、５〜２０ｃｍの長さが好適である。また、本体部の幅としては、１〜１０ｍｍ程度が好適である。そして、図２に示す様に、先端部２３の先端には保持部３が設けられており、被摺動部２２および先端部２３は筒状部材４を摺動可能に設けられている。 The main body 2 has a gripping part 21, a slid part 22 and a tip part 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip part 23, the slid part 22 and the grip part 21 are arranged in this order from the tip direction. Is provided. The grip part 21, the sliding part 22 and the tip part 23 are integrally formed of a plastic material. Examples of the plastic material include polyester (for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polyolefin (for example, cyclic polyolefin, polyethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer). , Styrenic resin (eg, polystyrene, methacrylate-styrene copolymer, methacrylate-butylene-styrene copolymer), polyamide (eg, 6 nylon, 66 nylon), polysulfone, fluororesin, polyimide, etc. are used. Is done. Since the cryopreservation instrument 1 of the present invention is used by being immersed in liquid nitrogen, among the above-mentioned cold resistant resins, those that can withstand the temperature of liquid nitrogen used during cryopreservation are particularly preferable.
The main body 2 has an elongated columnar shape, and has a columnar shape or an elongated flat plate shape as shown in the present embodiment. The length of the main body 2 is preferably 5 to 20 cm so that the holder can be gripped by hand even if it is immersed in liquid nitrogen. Moreover, as a width | variety of a main-body part, about 1-10 mm is suitable. As shown in FIG. 2, a holding portion 3 is provided at the tip of the tip portion 23, and the sliding portion 22 and the tip portion 23 are provided so that the cylindrical member 4 can slide.

把持部２１は、筒状部材４が把持部２１側に摺動して、本凍結保存器具１の基端側から抜け落ちない様に、筒状部材４の内径より大きい径であることが望ましい。また、把持部２１には、操作（特に、筒状部材４の摺動操作）に際して、把持している手が滑らない様に凹凸部２１１が設けられていることが好ましい。この場合、凹凸部２１１は、把持部２１の円周に複数設けられている。また、別の好ましい態様としては、把持部２１に患者名等の患者情報記入できる様な平らな面を設けることも考えられる。この場合、平らな面を設けるために、把持部２１のみ角柱状に設ける様にしても良い。 The grip portion 21 preferably has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tubular member 4 so that the tubular member 4 does not slide out from the proximal end side of the cryopreservation instrument 1 due to the tubular member 4 sliding to the grip portion 21 side. In addition, the grip portion 21 is preferably provided with an uneven portion 211 so that the gripped hand does not slip during an operation (particularly, a sliding operation of the cylindrical member 4). In this case, a plurality of uneven portions 211 are provided on the circumference of the grip portion 21. As another preferred mode, it is conceivable to provide the grip portion 21 with a flat surface on which patient information such as a patient name can be entered. In this case, in order to provide a flat surface, only the grip portion 21 may be provided in a prismatic shape.

被摺動部２２は、筒状部材４が摺動できるように、筒状部材の内径と等しいかまたは筒状部材の内径よりも小さい径となっている。被摺動部２２には、図２で示す保持部３を露出する第一の位置で、筒状部材４の係合突起４１と係合する第一被係合部２２１と、図３で示す保持部３を被包する第二の位置で、筒状部材４の係合突起４１と係合する第二被係合部２２２とを備える。第一被係合部２２１は、第二被係合部２２２よりも基端側に設けられている。第二被係合部２２２は、図３に示す様に、第二被係合部２２２より基端側の被摺動部および先端部２３よりも、細径とされている細径部として、本体部の全周または周上の一部に設けるのが好ましい。このような構成により、第二の位置まで摺動した筒状部材４が、その後図４に示す位置まで周方向に回転される際に、筒状部材４の係合突起４１が第二被係合部２２２に沿うことにより、第二の位置から軸方向にずれない様に、筒状部材４を回転することができる。また、被摺動部２２には、第二の位置へ摺動した筒状部材４が再度第一の位置へ摺動しないように、第一の戻り防止突起２２３を設けても良い。戻り防止突起２２３は、被摺動部２２の全周に亘って設けても良いし、周の一部に設けても良い。 The sliding portion 22 has a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member 4 can slide. The sliding portion 22 has a first engaged portion 221 that engages with the engaging protrusion 41 of the tubular member 4 at a first position where the holding portion 3 shown in FIG. 2 is exposed, and shown in FIG. A second engaged portion 222 that engages with the engaging protrusion 41 of the tubular member 4 at a second position where the holding portion 3 is encapsulated is provided. The first engaged portion 221 is provided on the proximal end side with respect to the second engaged portion 222. As shown in FIG. 3, the second engaged portion 222 is a narrow-diameter portion that is smaller in diameter than the sliding portion on the proximal end side relative to the second engaged portion 222 and the distal end portion 23. It is preferable to be provided on the entire circumference or a part of the circumference of the main body. With such a configuration, when the cylindrical member 4 that has slid to the second position is then rotated in the circumferential direction to the position shown in FIG. 4, the engagement protrusion 41 of the cylindrical member 4 is moved to the second engaged state. By being along the joint portion 222, the cylindrical member 4 can be rotated so as not to be displaced in the axial direction from the second position. Further, the sliding portion 22 may be provided with a first return prevention protrusion 223 so that the cylindrical member 4 slid to the second position does not slide again to the first position. The return prevention protrusion 223 may be provided over the entire circumference of the sliding portion 22 or may be provided in a part of the circumference.

先端部２３は、上記被摺動部２２に設けられた第二被係合部２２２よりも先端側の本体部２を示している。先端部２３は、先端に保持部３が設けられており、かつ、筒状部材４が摺動可能な様に、筒状部材の内径と等しいかまたは筒状部材の内径よりも小さい径となっている。先端部２３には、図４および図５に示す様に、第二の位置から回転された筒状部材４が、さらに先端方向に摺動するために、先端部摺動面２３１が設けられているのが好ましい。この場合、第二の位置からさらに先端に摺動した筒状部材４が、基端方向に戻らないように、第二の戻り防止突起２３２が設けられても良い。また、別の好ましい態様としては、本実施例３の図１２〜図１４で示す様に、筒状部材４が先端部へ摺動できないように、先端部被摺動面を設けないことも考えられる。 The distal end portion 23 indicates the main body portion 2 on the distal end side with respect to the second engaged portion 222 provided in the sliding portion 22. The distal end portion 23 is provided with the holding portion 3 at the distal end, and has a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member 4 can slide. ing. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the distal end portion 23 is provided with a distal end sliding surface 231 so that the cylindrical member 4 rotated from the second position slides further in the distal end direction. It is preferable. In this case, the second return prevention protrusion 232 may be provided so that the cylindrical member 4 that has further slid from the second position to the distal end does not return in the proximal direction. Further, as another preferred mode, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 of the third embodiment, it is considered that the tip portion sliding surface is not provided so that the cylindrical member 4 cannot slide to the tip portion. It is done.

保持部３は、卵付着作業を容易にするために、可撓性かつ無色透明な平坦フィルム状のものが好ましく用いられ、本実施例では、細長い平坦フィルム状のものを用いている。また、保持部３は、卵付着作業をより容易にするために、図１に示す様に、孔３１を設けても良いし、図１１および図１２に示す様にフィルムに凹部３２を設ける様にしても良い。また、単に平坦に設けたフィルム状とすることも可能である。保持部３の露出する部分の長さは、１０〜３０ｍｍ程度、幅０．５〜２．０ｍｍ程度、厚さが０．０１〜０．４ｍｍ程度、孔又は凹部の大きさは直径０．１〜２ｍｍ程度の円または楕円のものが用いられる。また、本実施例では、保持部として孔を一つ設けているが、複数設ける様にしても良い。そして、保持部３は、基端側が、上述した本体部２の先端部２３に設けられている。保持部３を本体部２の先端部２３に設ける方法としては、保持部３の基端側と上述した本体部２の先端部２３とを接着剤により固着する方法や本体部２と保持部３とを一体成形する方法などが考えられる。保持部３の形成材料としては、例えば、環状ポリオレフィン、３−フッ化ポリエチレン、低密度ポリエチレン、中密度ポリエチレン、高密度ポリエチレン、ポリカーボネート、ナイロン、ポリスルホン、ポリエステル、ポリスチレン、ポリイミド、超高分子量ポリエチレン、エチレン−酢酸ビニル共重合体などの合成樹脂からなるフィルムあるいはそれらの積層体が挙げられる。特に、液体窒素耐性材料、言い換えれば、液体窒素に接触しても脆化しないものが使用される。 The holding part 3 is preferably a flexible, colorless and transparent flat film in order to facilitate the egg attaching operation, and in this embodiment, an elongated flat film is used. Further, in order to make the egg attachment work easier, the holding unit 3 may be provided with a hole 31 as shown in FIG. 1 or a recess 32 in the film as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. Anyway. It is also possible to simply form a flat film. The length of the exposed part of the holding part 3 is about 10 to 30 mm, the width is about 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the thickness is about 0.01 to 0.4 mm, and the size of the hole or the recess is 0.1 in diameter. A circle or ellipse of about 2 mm is used. In this embodiment, one hole is provided as the holding portion, but a plurality of holes may be provided. And the holding | maintenance part 3 is provided in the front-end | tip part 23 of the main-body part 2 which the base end side mentioned above. As a method of providing the holding portion 3 at the distal end portion 23 of the main body portion 2, a method of fixing the proximal end side of the holding portion 3 and the above-described distal end portion 23 of the main body portion 2 with an adhesive, or the main body portion 2 and the holding portion 3. A method of integrally molding the two is conceivable. Examples of the material for forming the holding unit 3 include cyclic polyolefin, 3-fluorinated polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, polysulfone, polyester, polystyrene, polyimide, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, and ethylene. -A film made of a synthetic resin such as vinyl acetate copolymer or a laminate thereof. In particular, a liquid nitrogen resistant material, in other words, a material that does not become brittle when in contact with liquid nitrogen is used.

筒状部材４は、本体部２に沿って摺動可能となるように、被摺動部２２および先端部２３に外嵌されている。筒状部材４の内径は、被摺動部２２より先端側に摺動可能に、被摺動部２２および先端部２３の外径よりも大きくなっており、被摺動部２２より基端側に摺動しないように、把持部２１の外径よりは小さくなっている。また、筒状部材４は、保持部３に接触することなく被包できる内径および長さを備えている。筒状部材４には、前述した第一被係合部および第二被係合部と係合する係合突起４１が設けられている。さらに、筒状部材４の基端側には摺動の際に筒状部材を手やピンセット等で保持しやすい様にリブ４２が設けられていてもよい。筒状部材４の形成材料としては、例えば、３−フッ化ポリエチレン、低密度ポリエチレン、中密度ポリエチレン、高密度ポリエチレン、ポリカーボネート、ナイロン、ポリスルホン、ポリエステル、ポリスチレン、ポリイミド、超高分子量ポリエチレン、エチレン−酢酸ビニル共重合体などの合成樹脂からなるフィルムあるいはそれらの積層体が挙げられる。特に、液体窒素耐性材料、言い換えれば、液体窒素に接触しても脆化しないものが好ましい。 The tubular member 4 is externally fitted to the sliding portion 22 and the distal end portion 23 so as to be slidable along the main body portion 2. The inner diameter of the cylindrical member 4 is larger than the outer diameters of the slidable portion 22 and the distal end portion 23 so as to be slidable toward the distal end side from the slidable portion 22, and is proximal to the slidable portion 22. The outer diameter of the gripping portion 21 is smaller so that it does not slide. The tubular member 4 has an inner diameter and a length that can be encapsulated without contacting the holding portion 3. The cylindrical member 4 is provided with an engaging protrusion 41 that engages with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion described above. Further, a rib 42 may be provided on the proximal end side of the cylindrical member 4 so that the cylindrical member can be easily held by hand, tweezers or the like during sliding. As a forming material of the cylindrical member 4, for example, 3-fluorinated polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, polysulfone, polyester, polystyrene, polyimide, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, ethylene-acetic acid Examples thereof include a film made of a synthetic resin such as a vinyl copolymer or a laminate thereof. In particular, a liquid nitrogen resistant material, in other words, a material that does not become brittle when it comes into contact with liquid nitrogen is preferable.

次に、本発明の実施例１にかかる凍結保存器具１の使用方法について、卵を凍結保存する場合を例に説明する。まず、ピペットの先端に卵を採取し、卵の細胞内液を平衡液に置換する作業を行い、さらに、細胞外液をガラス化液に置換する作業を行う。そして、図２に示す筒状部材４が第一の位置にある本発明の凍結保存器具１を用意し、把持部２１を操作者の手で把持しながら顕微鏡下において、本発明の卵凍結保存用具１の保持部３の孔３１に卵を少量のガラス化液とともに付着させる（ガラス化液の表面張力により、卵と共に孔３１に保持される）。この時、筒状部材４の係合突起４１および被摺動部２２の第一被係合部２２１の係合により、筒状部材４は、本体部２に対して、前後方向（先端方向および基端方向）へ動かない様に固定されている。 Next, a method for using the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an example in which an egg is cryopreserved. First, an egg is collected at the tip of a pipette, an operation of replacing the intracellular solution of the egg with the equilibrium solution, and an operation of replacing the extracellular solution with the vitrification solution are performed. Then, the cryopreservation instrument 1 of the present invention in which the cylindrical member 4 shown in FIG. 2 is in the first position is prepared, and the egg cryopreservation of the present invention is performed under the microscope while gripping the grip portion 21 with the hand of the operator. An egg is attached to the hole 31 of the holding part 3 of the tool 1 together with a small amount of vitrification liquid (it is held in the hole 31 together with the egg by the surface tension of the vitrification liquid). At this time, due to the engagement of the engagement protrusion 41 of the tubular member 4 and the first engaged portion 221 of the slidable portion 22, the tubular member 4 is moved in the front-rear direction (the distal direction and the distal direction). It is fixed so that it does not move in the proximal direction.

その後、卵が付着した保持部３をあらかじめ準備しておいた液体窒素に、把持部２１を把持したまま、浸漬し凍結（ガラス化）させる。保持部３を液体窒素に浸漬した状態（本体部２および筒状部材４の基端側は液体窒素外に出ている状態）で、例えばピンセット等で筒状部材４のリブ４２を保持し、筒状部材４を図３に示す第二の位置まで先端方向に摺動させることにより、卵が保持された保持部３を筒状部材４の内部に収納する。第二の位置において、筒状部材４および本体部２は、係合突起４１と第一被係合部の係合により、筒状部材４が先端方向に動かない様に固定される。また、この時、被摺動部２２に設けられた第一の戻り防止突起２２３により、筒状部材４が基端方向にも動かない様に固定されている。この後、保存容器（図示せず）内に、ガラス化した卵を付着保持する凍結保存器具１を収納した後、保存容器を液体窒素タンク内に入れ保存する。 Thereafter, the holding unit 3 to which the eggs are attached is immersed in liquid nitrogen prepared in advance while being held, and frozen (vitrified). In a state where the holding portion 3 is immersed in liquid nitrogen (the main body portion 2 and the base end side of the cylindrical member 4 are out of the liquid nitrogen), the rib 42 of the cylindrical member 4 is held with, for example, tweezers, By sliding the cylindrical member 4 in the distal direction to the second position shown in FIG. 3, the holding portion 3 holding the egg is housed inside the cylindrical member 4. In the second position, the tubular member 4 and the main body 2 are fixed so that the tubular member 4 does not move in the distal direction by the engagement of the engagement protrusion 41 and the first engaged portion. At this time, the cylindrical member 4 is fixed so as not to move in the proximal direction by the first return prevention protrusion 223 provided on the sliding portion 22. Thereafter, after storing the cryopreservation instrument 1 for adhering and holding vitrified eggs in a storage container (not shown), the storage container is stored in a liquid nitrogen tank.

また、保存された卵を融解する時には、液体窒素タンク内に保存された保存容器を取り出し、保存容器から凍結保存器具１を取り出す。取り出した凍結保存器具１の筒状部材４を図４に示す位置まで周方向に回転する。その後、筒状部材４を先端方向に押圧することにより、図５に示す様に筒状部材４が、本体部２および保持部３から脱離された状態となる。筒状部材４を先端方向に押圧する際、先端部２３に設けられた第二の戻り防止突起先端部２３２により、誤って筒状部材４を基端方向に摺動するのを防いでいる。その後、卵が付着している保持部３を融解することにより、凍結保存した卵が利用可能となる。
このように、本発明の実施例１にかかる凍結保存器具１は、筒状部材４が被摺動部２２または先端部２３に沿って摺動するため、筒状部材４が保持部３に接触することなく、保持部３の収納や本体部からの取り外しが可能となり、卵を喪失したり、損傷する恐れがなくなる。 Further, when thawing the stored egg, the storage container stored in the liquid nitrogen tank is taken out, and the cryopreservation instrument 1 is taken out from the storage container. The cylindrical member 4 of the cryopreservation instrument 1 taken out is rotated in the circumferential direction to the position shown in FIG. Thereafter, by pressing the cylindrical member 4 in the distal direction, the cylindrical member 4 is detached from the main body portion 2 and the holding portion 3 as shown in FIG. When the cylindrical member 4 is pressed in the distal direction, the second return preventing projection distal end portion 232 provided in the distal end portion 23 prevents the tubular member 4 from being accidentally slid in the proximal direction. Thereafter, by thawing the holding part 3 to which the eggs are attached, the frozen and stored eggs can be used.
Thus, in the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention, the cylindrical member 4 contacts the holding portion 3 because the cylindrical member 4 slides along the sliding portion 22 or the tip portion 23. Without holding, the holder 3 can be stored and removed from the main body, and there is no risk of losing or damaging the egg.

（実施例２）
以下本発明の実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具について図６〜図１０を用いて説明する。実施例１と共通する部材については、実施例１と同じ符号を施している。
実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具１は、実施例１と同様に、本体部２は、把持部２１と、被摺動部２２とおよび先端部２３とを有し、図７に示す様に、先端方向から先端部２３、被摺動部２２、把持部２１の順に設けられている。実施例１と比較し、把持部２１が短く
、被摺動部２２が長く設けられている。また、実施例１と同様に、把持部２１には凹凸部２１１が、被摺動部２２には第一被係合部２２１、第二被係合部２２２および第一の戻り防止突起２２３が、先端部２３には先端部摺動面２３１および第二の戻り防止突起２３２が設けられている。 (Example 2)
A cryopreservation apparatus according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. About the member which is common in Example 1, the same code | symbol as Example 1 is given.
As in Example 1, the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to Example 2 has a body part 2 having a gripping part 21, a sliding part 22, and a tip part 23, and as shown in FIG. The tip portion 23, the sliding portion 22, and the grip portion 21 are provided in this order from the tip direction. Compared to the first embodiment, the gripping portion 21 is short and the sliding portion 22 is long. Similarly to the first embodiment, the gripping portion 21 has an uneven portion 211, and the sliding portion 22 has a first engaged portion 221, a second engaged portion 222, and a first return prevention protrusion 223. The tip end portion 23 is provided with a tip end sliding surface 231 and a second return preventing projection 232.

また、実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具１は、実施例１と同様に、保持部３および筒状部材４を有している。実施例１と比較し、筒状部材４が長い構成となっている。また、実施例１と同様に、保持部３には孔３１が、筒状部材４には係合突起４１およびリブ４２が設けられており、係合突起４１は被摺動部２２の第一被係合部２２１および第二被係合部２２２と係合するように設けられている。 Further, the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to the second embodiment includes the holding unit 3 and the cylindrical member 4 as in the first embodiment. Compared with the first embodiment, the cylindrical member 4 has a longer configuration. Similarly to the first embodiment, the holding portion 3 is provided with a hole 31, and the cylindrical member 4 is provided with an engaging protrusion 41 and a rib 42, and the engaging protrusion 41 is the first of the sliding portion 22. It is provided to engage with the engaged portion 221 and the second engaged portion 222.

次に、本発明の実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具１の使用方法について、卵を凍結保存する場合を例に説明する。卵を採取し、保持部３の孔３１にガラス化液とともに付着させる工程までは、実施例１と同様である。 Next, a method for using the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to an example in which an egg is cryopreserved. The steps up to the step of collecting the egg and attaching it to the hole 31 of the holding unit 3 together with the vitrification solution are the same as in the first embodiment.

その後、卵が付着した保持部３をあらかじめ準備しておいた液体窒素に、把持部２１を操作者の手（例えば、右手）で把持したまま、浸漬し凍結（ガラス化）させる。保持部３を液体窒素に浸漬した状態（本体部２および筒状部材４の基端側は液体窒素外に出ている状態）で、操作者の反対の手（例えば、左手）で筒状部材４のリブ４２を保持し、筒状部材４を図３に示す第二の位置まで先端方向に摺動させることにより、卵が保持された保持部３を筒状部材４の内部に収納する。このような方法すなわち、液体窒素外に出ている本体部２および筒状部材４の基端側を素手で摺動させることで、筒状部材４の内部に保持部３を収納できるため、本発明の実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具１では、簡単な操作により、卵の凍結保存が可能となる。また、ピンセットを用いる場合には、筒状部材４のリブ４２の凹凸にピンセットを引っかけることにより、ピンセットが滑ることなく摺動操作が可能となる。以降、保存工程や卵の融解工程については、実施例１と同様である。このような方法により、卵の凍結保存および凍結保存した卵の利用が可能となる。
本発明の実施例２にかかる凍結保存器具１においても、筒状部材４が被摺動部２２または先端部２３に沿って摺動するため、筒状部材４が保持部３に接触することなく、保持部３の収納や本体部からの取り外しが可能となり、卵を喪失したり、損傷する恐れがなくなる。 Thereafter, the holding unit 3 to which the eggs are attached is immersed in liquid nitrogen prepared in advance while being held by the operator's hand (for example, the right hand) and frozen (vitrified). The cylindrical member with the hand opposite to the operator (for example, the left hand) in a state where the holding unit 3 is immersed in liquid nitrogen (the base end side of the main body 2 and the cylindrical member 4 is out of the liquid nitrogen) 4 is held, and the cylindrical member 4 is slid in the distal direction to the second position shown in FIG. 3, whereby the holding portion 3 holding the egg is housed inside the cylindrical member 4. Since the holding part 3 can be accommodated inside the cylindrical member 4 by sliding the base end side of the main body part 2 and the cylindrical member 4 outside the liquid nitrogen with such a method, In the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention, eggs can be cryopreserved by a simple operation. When tweezers are used, the tweezers are hooked on the irregularities of the ribs 42 of the tubular member 4 so that the sliding operation can be performed without the tweezers slipping. Hereinafter, the storage process and the egg melting process are the same as those in the first embodiment. By such a method, it becomes possible to cryopreserve the eggs and use the cryopreserved eggs.
Also in the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical member 4 slides along the sliding portion 22 or the tip portion 23, so that the cylindrical member 4 does not contact the holding portion 3. The holding part 3 can be stored and removed from the main body, and there is no risk of losing or damaging the egg.

（実施例３）
以下本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具について図１１〜図１６を用いて説明する。実施例１と共通する部材については、実施例１と同じ符号を施している。
実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具１においては、本体部２は、把持部２１と、被摺動部２２とおよび先端部２３とを有し、図１３に示す様に、先端方向から先端部２３、被摺動部２２、把持部２１の順に設けられている。本実施例の本体部は、実施例１と比較し、把持部２１が短く、被摺動部２２が長く設けられている。また、実施例２と同様に、把持部２１には凹凸部２１１が、被摺動部２２には第一被係合部２２１、第二被係合部２２２および凸部２２４が設けられている。しかし、本実施例にかかる先端部２３は、実施例１および２と異なり、筒状部材４が摺動できないようになっている。さらに、図１３に示す様に、本実施例の第二被係合部２２２は、本体部２の外周の一部に溝状に設けられており、形状としては、図１４に示す様に傾斜部２２２１を設けても良いし、図１５に示す様に固定凹部（図１５では、半円状の形状）を設ける様な形状としても良い。また、本実施例の第二被係合部２２２の基端側には筒状部４の係合突起４１が乗り越えて本体部２の軸方向前後に摺動可能な凸部２２４が設けられている。 (Example 3)
Hereinafter, a cryopreservation apparatus according to Example 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. About the member which is common in Example 1, the same code | symbol as Example 1 is given.
In the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to the third embodiment, the main body 2 has a gripping part 21, a sliding part 22, and a tip part 23, and as shown in FIG. The sliding part 22 and the gripping part 21 are provided in this order. Compared with the first embodiment, the main body of the present embodiment has a shorter gripping portion 21 and a longer sliding portion 22. Similarly to the second embodiment, the gripping portion 21 is provided with an uneven portion 211, and the sliding portion 22 is provided with a first engaged portion 221, a second engaged portion 222, and a convex portion 224. . However, unlike the first and second embodiments, the distal end portion 23 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the cylindrical member 4 cannot slide. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the second engaged portion 222 of the present embodiment is provided in a groove shape in a part of the outer periphery of the main body 2, and the shape is inclined as shown in FIG. 14. The portion 2221 may be provided, or a fixed recess (semicircular shape in FIG. 15) may be provided as shown in FIG. In addition, on the proximal end side of the second engaged portion 222 of the present embodiment, a protruding portion 224 is provided that can be slid forward and backward in the axial direction of the main body portion 2 over the engaging protrusion 41 of the cylindrical portion 4. Yes.

また、実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具１は、実施例１および２と同様に、保持部３および筒状部材４を有している。本実施例の筒状部材４は、実施例１と比較し、長い構成となっている。また、図１１に示す様に、本実施例では実施例１および２と異なり、保持部３に凹部３２が複数設けけられているが、実施例１および２と同様に孔を設けても良いし、単に平坦なフィルム状としても良い。さらに、実施例２と同様に、筒状部材４には係合突起４１およびリブ４２が設けられており、係合突起４１は被摺動部２２の第一被係合部２２１および第二被係合部２２２と係合するように設けられている。本実施例の係合突起４１には、図１６に示す様に、固定凸部４１１を設ける様にしても良い。 Further, the cryopreservation device 1 according to the third embodiment includes the holding unit 3 and the cylindrical member 4 as in the first and second embodiments. The tubular member 4 of this embodiment has a longer configuration than that of the first embodiment. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the holding portion 3 is provided with a plurality of recesses 32, but a hole may be provided as in the first and second embodiments. However, it may be simply a flat film. Further, as in the second embodiment, the tubular member 4 is provided with an engaging protrusion 41 and a rib 42, and the engaging protrusion 41 is connected to the first engaged portion 221 and the second engaged portion of the sliding portion 22. It is provided to engage with the engaging portion 222. The engaging protrusion 41 of this embodiment may be provided with a fixed convex portion 411 as shown in FIG.

次に、本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具１の使用方法について、卵を凍結保存する場合を例に説明する。卵を採取し、保持部３の凹部３２にガラス化液とともに付着させる工程までは、実施例１および２と同様である。 Next, a method for using the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to Example 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to an example in which an egg is cryopreserved. The steps up to the step of collecting the egg and attaching it to the concave portion 32 of the holding unit 3 together with the vitrification liquid are the same as in Examples 1 and 2.

その後、卵が付着した保持部３をあらかじめ準備しておいた液体窒素に、把持部２１を操作者の手（例えば、右手）で把持したまま、浸漬し凍結（ガラス化）させる。保持部３を液体窒素に浸漬した状態（本体部２および筒状部材４の基端側は液体窒素外に出ている状態）で、操作者の反対の手（例えば、左手）で筒状部材４のリブ４２を保持し、筒状部材４を図１４に示す第二の位置まで先端方向に摺動させることにより、卵が保持された保持部３を筒状部材４の内部に収納する。このような方法すなわち、液体窒素外に出ている本体部２および筒状部材４の基端側を素手で摺動させることで、筒状部材４の内部に保持部３を収納できるため、本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具１では、簡単な操作により、卵の凍結保存が可能となる。また、ピンセットを用いる場合には、筒状部材４のリブ４２の凹凸にピンセットを引っかけることにより、ピンセットが滑ることなく摺動操作が可能となる。また、本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具では、この後、筒状部材４を本体部２に対して周方向（図１５の下から上方向）に回転させることにより、図１５に示す様に、係合突起４１と第二被係合部２２２の傾斜部２２２１との係合からなる固定機構が働き、係合突起４１を備える筒状部材４の軸方向への摺動が不可能となる。固定機構としては、図１６に示す様に、係合突起４１に設けた固定凸部４１１と第二被係合部２２２に設けた固定凹部２２２２との係合としても良く、この場合は、周方向に筒状部材４を回転させると、固定凸部４１１と固定凹部２２２２とが係合し、筒状部材４の軸方向への摺動が不可能となる。このように、筒状部材４の軸方向への摺動が制限されるため、以降の工程で不意に筒状部材４が基端側に戻ることにより付着した卵が落下するなどの自体を避けることができる。
以降、保存工程や卵の融解工程については、実施例１と同様である。このような方法により、卵の凍結保存および凍結保存した卵の利用が可能となる。 Thereafter, the holding unit 3 to which the eggs are attached is immersed in liquid nitrogen prepared in advance while being held by the operator's hand (for example, the right hand) and frozen (vitrified). The cylindrical member with the hand opposite to the operator (for example, the left hand) in a state where the holding unit 3 is immersed in liquid nitrogen (the base end side of the main body 2 and the cylindrical member 4 is out of the liquid nitrogen) The ribs 42 are held, and the cylindrical member 4 is slid in the distal direction to the second position shown in FIG. 14, whereby the holding portion 3 holding the egg is housed inside the cylindrical member 4. Since the holding part 3 can be accommodated inside the cylindrical member 4 by sliding the base end side of the main body part 2 and the cylindrical member 4 outside the liquid nitrogen with such a method, In the cryopreservation instrument 1 according to Example 3 of the invention, the egg can be cryopreserved by a simple operation. When tweezers are used, the tweezers are hooked on the irregularities of the ribs 42 of the tubular member 4 so that the sliding operation can be performed without the tweezers slipping. Moreover, in the cryopreservation device according to Example 3 of the present invention, the cylindrical member 4 is then rotated in the circumferential direction (from the bottom to the top in FIG. 15) with respect to the main body 2 and shown in FIG. Similarly, the fixing mechanism including the engagement between the engagement protrusion 41 and the inclined portion 2221 of the second engaged portion 222 works, and the cylindrical member 4 including the engagement protrusion 41 cannot slide in the axial direction. It becomes. As shown in FIG. 16, the fixing mechanism may be an engagement between a fixing convex portion 411 provided on the engaging protrusion 41 and a fixing concave portion 2222 provided on the second engaged portion 222. When the cylindrical member 4 is rotated in the direction, the fixed convex portion 411 and the fixed concave portion 2222 are engaged, and the cylindrical member 4 cannot slide in the axial direction. In this way, since the sliding of the cylindrical member 4 in the axial direction is limited, it is avoided that the attached egg falls due to the cylindrical member 4 being unexpectedly returned to the proximal side in the subsequent steps. be able to.
Hereinafter, the storage process and the egg melting process are the same as those in the first embodiment. By such a method, it becomes possible to cryopreserve the eggs and use the cryopreserved eggs.

その後、本発明の実施例３にかかる凍結保存器具では、筒状部材４を凍結保存時とは逆方向（図１５の上方向から下方向）に回転させることにより、固定機構が解除され、筒状部材４は軸方向への摺動が可能となる。この状態で、基端方向に筒状部材４を引くことで、凸部２２４を乗り越えて、第一被係合部まで戻り、再び保持部３が露出した第一の位置へと戻る。そして、保持部３から凍結保存した卵を取り出すことが可能となる。 Thereafter, in the cryopreservation device according to Example 3 of the present invention, the fixing mechanism is released by rotating the cylindrical member 4 in the direction opposite to that during cryopreservation (from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 15). The shaped member 4 can slide in the axial direction. In this state, by pulling the tubular member 4 in the proximal direction, the tubular member 4 is moved over to the first engaged portion and returned to the first position where the holding portion 3 is exposed. Then, it becomes possible to take out the cryopreserved egg from the holding unit 3.

Claims

A columnar main body provided with a proximal end and a distal end in the axial direction; a holding portion provided at the front end of the main body; and a cylindrical member capable of enclosing the holding portion.
The holding part holds at least one selected from the group consisting of an ovum cell, an ovum, an egg and an embryo, and the main body part, the holding part and the cylindrical member are cryopreservation instruments made of a liquid nitrogen resistant material,
The cylindrical member is externally fitted to the main body portion, and slides in the axial direction of the main body portion from a first position where the holding portion is exposed to a second position where the holding portion is encapsulated. possible der is,
An engagement protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, and a first engaged portion is provided on the main body.
In the first position, the engaging portion and the first engaged portion are engaged,
By releasing the engagement, the cylindrical member can slide,
The main body portion is provided with a second engaged portion on the tip side from the first engaged portion,
The second engaged portion is engaged with the engaging protrusion at the second position,
A fixing mechanism for restricting the sliding of the cylindrical member in the second position in the axial direction;
The fixing mechanism includes an engagement between the engagement protrusion and the second engaged portion,
The second engaged portion is provided in a groove shape on a part of the outer periphery of the main body portion,
The engaging protrusion rotates the second engaged portion provided in the groove shape in the circumferential direction,
A cryopreservation instrument characterized in that sliding of the cylindrical member in the axial direction is limited.

Said tubular member, said further sliding in the distal direction from the second position, cryopreservation apparatus of claim 1, wherein is removable from the main body portion.

The second engaged portion is provided in a groove shape on the outer periphery of the main body portion,
On the tip side of the second engaged portion of the main body portion, a tip end sliding surface that extends to the tip of the main body portion is provided on a part of the outer periphery,
The engagement between the engagement protrusion and the second engaged portion is released in a state where the cylindrical member is rotated in the circumferential direction until the engagement protrusion is in contact with the tip end sliding surface. The cryopreservation instrument according to claim 2 , wherein the cylindrical member is further slidable in the distal direction from the second position.