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Ex Vivo Red Blood Cell Hemolysis Assay for the Evaluation of pH-responsive Endosomolytic Agents for Cytosolic Delivery of Biomacromolecular Drugs
Published on: March 9, 2013
Manipulating red cell intra- and extracellular pH by washing
1Jerome Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences, American Red Cross, Rockville, Md.
Vox Sanguinis
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Washing red blood cells with specific solutions can improve their quality for storage by altering pH levels. This method effectively manages intracellular and extracellular pH for better cell preservation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) washing is crucial for improving cell quality during storage.
- Anion permeability significantly influences RBC pH during washing procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of anion-impermeable wash solutions on red blood cell (RBC) intracellular pH.
- To determine how manipulating pH affects RBC quality during cold storage.
Main Methods:
- Washing RBCs with solutions lacking permeable anions.
- Measuring intracellular and extracellular pH changes.
- Assessing RBC quality after storage at 4 degrees C.
Main Results:
- Washing with anion-impermeable solutions caused chloride efflux and hydroxyl ion (OH-) influx.
- This resulted in increased intracellular pH and decreased extracellular pH.
- Elevated intracellular pH correlated with improved RBC quality during storage.
Conclusions:
- RBC washing with carefully selected anions can effectively raise intracellular pH.
- This pH manipulation enhances RBC quality for cold storage.
- Both intra- and extracellular pH are controllable through judicious anion selection in wash solutions.
