Collection of granulocytes for transfusion. The effect of collection methods on cell enzyme release.

When granulocytes are collected by either discontinuous-flow centrifugation or filtration leukapheresis, lysozyme is released. More lysozyme is released during the filtration procedure than during the centrifugation procedure. A small amount of red cell lysis occurs during the centrifugation but not the filtration procedure. A rise in lactate dehydrogenase levels consonant with the amount of hemolysis is observed. These findings suggest that granulocytes collected by either filtration or discontinuous-flow centrifugation undergo degranulation but not lysis sufficient to cause cytoplasmic enzyme release during the donation.