Reticuloendothelial system depression with hemolyzed blood.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of hemolyzed blood and components of hemolyzed blood on RES function. Phagocytic index, determined using four different test particles in rats, was depressed 30 minutes following the injection of 0.3 ml/100 gm hemolyzed blood. Fractionation of hemolyzed blood into particulate and soluble fractions revealed that only the particulate material caused an RES depression. A decrease in phagocytic index was seen after the injection of hemoglobin-free erythrocyte ghosts, further indicating that the membrane components of hemolyzed blood are capable of depressing RES function. Injection of hemolyzed blood, as well as RES blockade, increased the mortality rate following endotoxin administration. Injection of hemoglobin had no effect on RES function or endotoxin shock susceptibility. It is concluded that hemolyzed blood causes a nonspecific depression in RES phagocytic function, as well as probably impairing endotoxin detoxification. These findings indicate that the hemolysis that accompanies burn injury may induce RES depression and increase susceptibility to shock states.