Radiation effects on cultured human monocytes and on monocyte-derived macrophages

Abstract

Prior to administration, leukocyte transfusions are commonly irradiated with up to 5,000 R to eliminate lymphocytes and thereby prevent graft- versus-host disease in the recipient. It has been widely believed that phagocytes are resistant to this irradiation. In a recent report, we noted that phagocyte oxidative metabolism was compromised during preparation of white cells for transfusion. As part of our effort to examine the basis for this inhibition of phagocyte function during white cell preparation, we assessed the effects of irradiation on the long-lived monocytes that have been shown to persist at inflammatory foci posttransfusion. Human monocytes were irradiated for up to 3 min, receiving 2,500–5,000 R. This irradiation damaged human monocytes, significantly decreasing their in vitro survival for the first 3 wk of culture (p less than 0.02, irradiated versus control survival), and growth as assessed by two-dimensional cell size measurements during the first 2 wk of culture (p less than 0.01, irradiated versus control growth). Despite smaller cell size, total cell protein was significantly increased over time in irradiated cultures (p less than 0.001, irradiated versus control total protein per cell). Extracellular release of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase per cell was not affected by irradiation, but extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was significantly increased after irradiation (p less than 0.001, irradiated versus control LDH release). Irradiated monocytes killed Listeria monocytogenes at a slower rate than the nonirradiated controls (p less than 0.05, irradiated versus control rate of killing). Thus, the data indicate that irradiation in doses used to prevent graft- versus-host disease in leukocyte transfusion recipients has a deleterious effect on in vitro human monocyte survival and function.

Cellular and Biochemical Effects of Combined X-Ray Radiation and Storage on Whole Blood

“…Interestingly, higher sensitivity to radiation specific for monocytes has been previously reported following in vitro irradiation. 24 Albumin may have contributed to the overall resistance to high-dose ionizing radiation observed in our study. Generally, albumin constitutes the major plasma protein target of oxidant stress.…”

“…Interestingly, higher sensitivity to radiation specific for monocytes has been previously reported following in vitro irradiation. 24 …”

Granulocyte Transfusions: A Critical Reappraisal

“…Most retrospective and prospective studies on GT efficacy report that cell products are infused after irradiation to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease due to contaminant lymphocytes. Whereas it impairs neutrophil and monocyte function [70,71], the irradiation of granulocyte concentrates is universally and strongly recommended [64,65]. Freireich et al [72] explored the effects of non-irradiated GTs in a randomized study in 108 leukemic patients.…”