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Red blood cell membrane microviscosity correlates with posttransfusion survival.
L R McLean1, C Grote, E B Silberstein
1Merrell Dow Research Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 15, 1988
Summary
Red blood cell storage for 42 days decreased membrane phospholipids, impacting cell survival. Lipid bilayer defects, indicated by fluorescence polarization, correlated with reduced red blood cell survival post-storage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Membrane Biology
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) storage is crucial for transfusion medicine.
- Understanding RBC membrane changes during storage is vital for optimizing storage conditions and transfusion outcomes.
- Previous studies have indicated alterations in RBC lipid composition during storage, but specific molecular defects impacting survival require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in lipid composition and membrane properties of RBCs during prolonged storage.
- To assess the correlation between storage-induced membrane alterations and the in vivo survival of stored RBCs.
- To identify molecular defects in the lipid bilayer associated with long-term RBC storage.
Main Methods:
- Red blood cells were stored for 42 days.
- Cholesterol/phospholipid and sphingomyelin/phospholipid ratios were analyzed.
- Total phospholipid concentration was quantified.
- Red blood cell survival was assessed using the 51Cr technique in homologous donors.
- Membrane fluidity was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence polarization of diphenylhexatriene (DPH).
Main Results:
- The cholesterol/phospholipid and sphingomyelin/phospholipid ratios remained unchanged after 42 days of storage.
- A decrease in total phospholipid concentration was observed, indicating loss of red cell membrane.
- A decrease in the fluorescence polarization of DPH was detected in stored RBCs.
- This decrease in fluorescence polarization correlated significantly with reduced 24-hour survival of the stored red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- Long-term storage of red blood cells leads to a loss of membrane phospholipids.
- Storage-induced alterations in the RBC lipid bilayer, evidenced by decreased membrane fluidity, are associated with impaired cell survival.
- These findings highlight the importance of preserving RBC membrane integrity during storage to ensure effective transfusion therapy.