Challenge of phagocyte metabolism by extracorporeal circulation and membrane contact. A biocompatibility test

In the present study, direct data on phagocyte metabolism during hemodialysis are collected by the determination of 14CO2-production from labelled glucose on whole blood samples. Fifteen minutes after the start of cuprophan dialysis, 14CO2 production per 10(3) phagocytes increased more than four-fold (from 77.6 +/- 30.2 to 315.0 +/- 69.6 DPM/10(3) phagocytes; P less than 0.01). Such a change was absent during dialysis with membranes containing polysulphone, AN69S or reused cuprophan. In vitro contact of normal blood with cuprophan membranes revealed an increase of 14CO2-production by a maximum of 9.0 +/- 3.4 X 10(3) D.P.M. at 15 min. (P less than 0.05). Such an increase was absent after contact with polysulphone. The measurement of 14CO2 production during glucose metabolism, by phagocytes present in micro-amounts of whole blood, is a valuable test for membrane biocompatibility. Cuprophan dialysis induces a challenge of phagocytic activity that is absent for dialysers containing other membranes.