Effects of centrifugation leukapheresis with hydroxyethyl starch on the complement system of granulocyte donors.

In granulocyte donors during centrifugation leukapheresis (CL), total hemolytic complement, Clq, C3, factor B, and properdin decreased, but only to the extent expected from hemodilution. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis showed no C3 conversion in plasma obtained from the leukapheresis appeared during CL or in donor plasma immediately after CL. When serum was incubated with hydroxyethyl starch, total hemolytic complement did not decrease and C3 conversion was not detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. This investigation revealed no evidence that complement activation is associated with CL.