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Updated: May 20, 2026
10:07
Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins
Published on: March 17, 2023
Effect of processing and storage on red blood cell function in vivo
1Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. doctor@wustl.edu
Seminars in Perinatology
|July 24, 2012
Summary
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions aim to improve oxygen delivery. However, storage alters RBCs, impairing oxygen transport and immune function, a phenomenon known as the "storage lesion."
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are critical for oxygen delivery.
- RBC processing and storage induce detrimental changes, termed the 'storage lesion.'
- The storage lesion impacts RBC oxygen transport, immune modulation, and coagulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key features of the RBC storage lesion.
- To highlight the newly understood role of RBCs in regulating blood flow and oxygen consumption.
- To discuss how storage impairs RBC signaling functions and transfusion efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RBC storage lesion.
- Analysis of biophysical and physiological changes in stored RBCs.
- Discussion of emerging research on RBCs' role in vascular signaling.
Main Results:
- Storage increases RBC oxygen affinity due to depleted 2,3-BPG and ATP.
- Stored RBCs exhibit altered immune and coagulation properties.
- RBCs regulate vasoactive mediator bioavailability, a function disrupted by storage.
Conclusions:
- The storage lesion encompasses multifaceted RBC alterations affecting transfusion efficacy.
- Understanding the storage lesion is crucial for optimizing transfusion strategies.
- Further research into RBC signaling functions is needed to mitigate storage-induced impairments.
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