With the development of embryo technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, 
cloning and transgenesis, cryopreservation of mammalian gametes and embryos has 
acquired a particular interest. Despite a certain success, various 
cryopreservation techniques often cause significant morphological and 
biochemical alterations, which lead to the disruption of cell organelles, 
cytoskeleton damages, cell death and loss of embryo viability. Ultrastructural 
studies confirm high sensitivity of the cell membrane and organelle membrane to 
freezing and thawing. It was found that many substances with low molecular 
weights have a protective action against cold-induced damage. In this concern, 
an anti-freeze protein (AFP) and anti-freeze glycoproteins (AFGPs), which occur 
at extremely high concentrations in fish that live in Arctic waters and protect 
them against freezing, may be of potential interest for cryostorage of animal 
embryos at ultra-low temperatures. This mini-review briefly describes several 
models of AFP/AFGP action to preserve cells against chilling-induced damages and 
indicates several ways to improve post-thaw developmental potential of the 
embryo.