Storage of neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) in additive solution or in autologous plasma for 72 h

Neutropenia may necessitate polymorphonuclear (PMN) transfusion, but among other reasons, PMN short shelf-life complicates realization of innovative transfusion strategies. In 18 donors, PMNs were mobilized using rHuG-CSF + dexamethasone. (8.3 +/- 1.6) x 10(10) PMNs were harvested in 203 +/- 8.7 mL. PMNs were stored undiluted (1, n = 18) and diluted 1-in-2, 1-in-4, 1-in-8 using T-Sol (2, n = 6), T-Sol + 1% HSA (3, n = 6), or autologous plasma (4, n = 6) for 72 h. Haemograms, pH values, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels were assessed every 24 h. PMN count decreased from (4.3 +/- 0.8) x 10(10) to (2.2 +/- 1.0) x 10(10), and pH value dropped from 6.4 +/- 0.3 to 5.4 +/- 0.2 within 72 h (1), whereas 1-in-4 and 1-in-8 dilutions exhibited consistent haemograms and pH values above 6.0. 1-in-8 dilution (4) stabilized pH at 7.1 +/- 0.4 after 72 h. Function deteriorated to about 50% within 24 h (1), but 1-in-8 (3), 1-in-4 and 1-in-8 diluted PMNs (4) kept it >90% for 72 h. In all collectives, cytokine levels increased during storage. After all, IL-1beta ranged between 31.0 +/- 16.3 (1-in-4, 4) and 100.0 +/- 21.4 (1-in-4, 2), IL-8 from 513 +/- 454 (1) to 3180 +/- 760 (1-in-8, 2), and TNF-alpha between 3.8 +/- 1.7 (1-in-2, 2) and 23.2 +/- 11.8 (1-in-8, 4) (pg mL(-1)). PMN function may be preserved for 72 h in vitro by dilution of PMN apheresates with, preferably, autologous plasma.