Changes in the immunocompetence and surface markers of lymphocytes in stored blood.

Changes in lymphocyte responses to mitogens and other lymphocyte markers were studied during a 14-day period of storage of blood at 4 degrees C and 22 degrees C in plastic bags. The following tests were done: (a) absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, (b) blastogenic response to PHA, PWM, Con-A, and LPS and (c) determination of T and B cells using E-rosette and EAC-rosette techniques. The neutrophils disappeared rapidly at 22 degrees C. The absolute lymphocyte count doubled in a week. The responses to PHA, PWM, and Con-A declined rapidly and were absent by the 6th day. The response to LPS disappeared on day 14. The ability to form E-rosettes and EAC-rosettes was lost by days 4 and 6, respectively. The results obtained at 4 degrees C were similar except that these changes were delayed varying from 1-7 days.