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Neutrophil dysfunction due to continuous mechanical shear exposure in mechanically assisted circulation in vitro
Wenji Sun1, Jiafeng Zhang1, Aakash Shah1
1Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Artificial Organs
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Pump-assisted circulation activates neutrophils, increasing apoptosis and impairing function. These changes in leukocyte behavior depend on pump speed and duration, impacting the immune system during extracorporeal circulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Leukocytes are crucial components of the immune system.
- Understanding leukocyte behavior during extracorporeal circulation is vital for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in neutrophil phenotype and function within a pump-assisted circulation model.
- To correlate these changes with specific pump operating conditions.
Main Methods:
- Human blood was circulated in vitro for four hours using a CentriMag blood pump under varying rotational speeds and pressure heads.
- Neutrophil activation (Mac-1, CD62L, CD162), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and phagocytosis were analyzed hourly.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil activation markers increased over time, with the highest activation at the highest pump speed.
- Platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation varied with pump speed.
- Neutrophil reactive oxygen species production peaked early and then decreased; apoptosis increased with time and pump speed.
Conclusions:
- Pump-assisted circulation induces significant neutrophil activation, apoptosis, and functional impairment.
- These leukocyte alterations are directly related to the pump's operating conditions and the duration of circulation.
