Cytokine generation in stored, white cell‐reduced, and bacterially contaminated units of red cells

Abstract

IL-8 and IL-1 beta accumulated in the supernatants of stored RBCs despite cold storage conditions. IL-8 reached levels > 1000 pg per mL in the supernatants of some RBC units. IL-1 beta increased to significant but low levels (< 13 pg/mL). WBC filtration early in storage prevented the accumulation of IL-8. The physiologic significance to transfusion recipients of IL-8 in RBC supernatants is currently unknown and deserves further investigation.

Cytokine Load in Prestorage Leukoreduced PRBC Transfusions in Premature Infants

“…There is a reduction of IL-6 and IL-8 in prestorage, leukoreduced PRBCs over time, consistent with the concept of cytokine degradation and inadequate production of WBC substrate. [20][21][22] Prestorage leukoreduction does not adversely effect the quality of the transfusate, but does have processing and cost effects.…”

Increased Rate of Infection Associated With Transfusion of Old Blood After Severe Injury

“…29 Although the term has traditionally been restricted to corpuscular damage, recent evidence shows that a number of bioreactive substances accumulate in the medium during storage. 6,10,31 Selected changes characteristic of the storage lesion and their potential consequences are listed in Table 4.…”

Transforming growth factor–β1 in supernatants from stored red blood cells inhibits neutrophil locomotion

“…15 The detailed process whereby transfusions can induce immunosuppression is, however, still undefined and may include various mechanisms involving leukocyte-derived active mediators generated during blood storage, which may in turn impair the activity of immune cells. [16][17][18][19][20] In this context, we have recently shown that nonleukodepleted stored red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoderivatives contain high levels of immunoregulatory molecules, such as soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and Fas ligand. 21,22 These molecules have been found to inhibit mixed lymphocyte responses and cytotoxic T-cell activity in allogeneic and in autologous combinations as well as to induce apoptosis in Fas ϩ cells.…”