[Effect of benzyl alcohol on trehalose-loading red blood cells before lyophilization]

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of benzyl alcohol on trehalose-loading red blood cells (RBCs). The RBCs were incubated in 10, 30, 50 and 100 mmol/L concentrations of benzyl alcohol-trehaloe solution at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. The hemolysis rate of loaded RBCs was detected by using cyanohemoglobin kit, the intracellular trehalose level were assayed by sulfate anthrone method. The results showed that the intracellular trehalose concentration in group with 100 mmol/L benzyl alcohol was 72 +/- 12.98 mmol/L, compared with that in groups of 10, 30 and 50 mmol/L, the statistical difference were significant (p = 0.000); the hemolysis rate of loaded RBCs in group with 100 mmol/L of benzyl alcohol was 17.99 +/- 3.75%, as compared with groups of 10, 30 and 50 mmol/L, the statistical difference was significant (p = 0.000). It is concluded that benzyl alcohol can enhance the intracellular trehalose concentration. As concentration of benzyl alcohol ascends, the intracellular trehalose concentration increases. 100 mmol/L benzyl alcohol may be proper for loading RBCs.