Method for preserving cells and cell cultures

Provided is a method for reducing apoptosis in nucleated cells. The method entails holding nucleated cells in a container and adding a gas containing xenon to the container so that the pressure inside the container reaches between 0.5 to 4.0 Atm above ambient pressure; holding the container at between 0.5 to 4.0 Atm above ambient pressure for a period of time during which the temperature in the container is between 22° C. and 37° C.; lowering the temperature in the container to between 0.1° C. and 10° C. while maintaining the pressure of 0.5 to 4.0 Atm above ambient pressure and holding the container for a period of time; and reducing the pressure in the container to ambient pressure and increasing the temperature to 22° C.-37° C. By performing these steps, the cells undergo less apoptosis than a reference.