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Preserved respiratory and phagocytic functions of phagocytes exposed to flat sheet plasmapheresis equipment
T W Jungi1, B Aeschbacher, U E Nydegger
1Institute for Clinical and Experimental Cancer Research, Berne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were tested for functional integrity after exposure to flat sheet plasmapheresis equipment. Purified PMN were tested for chemiluminescence activity in response to a variety of triggers of the respiratory burst. Monocytes were assessed for their capacity to ingest erythrocytes sensitized with varying amounts of IgG antibodies. Both assays were demonstrated to be sensitive hallmarks of functional modulation. However, no functional differences were noted between phagocytes from blood collected prior to pheresis and those exposed to flat sheet plasmapheresis cylinders. These data suggest that plasmapheresis with the Autopheresis C system does not influence the respiratory and phagocytic function of phagocytes returned back to the donor and implies that contact of phagocytes with artificial surfaces and/or their exposure to surface-activated plasma factors generated in the collection cylinder are minimal when using this plasmapheresis method.
Insights
Plasmapheresis using the Autopheresis C system does not affect the function of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Phagocyte respiratory and ingestion functions remain intact after exposure to plasmapheresis equipment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure for removing plasma from the blood.
- The functional integrity of immune cells after plasmapheresis is crucial for donor safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional integrity of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) after exposure to flat sheet plasmapheresis equipment.
- To determine if plasmapheresis affects phagocyte respiratory burst and phagocytic capacity.
Main Methods:
- Monocytes and PMN were isolated and tested for functional assays.
- Chemiluminescence activity of PMN was measured in response to respiratory burst triggers.
- Monocyte phagocytic capacity was assessed using IgG-sensitized erythrocytes.
Main Results:
- Both chemiluminescence and phagocytosis assays are sensitive indicators of functional changes.
- No significant functional differences were observed in phagocytes before and after exposure to the plasmapheresis system.
- The Autopheresis C system did not impair the respiratory or phagocytic functions of returned phagocytes.
Conclusions:
- Plasmapheresis with the Autopheresis C system appears to preserve the functional integrity of monocytes and PMN.
- Contact with artificial surfaces and plasma factors during this plasmapheresis method minimally impacts phagocyte function.