Red cell ATP and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations as a function of dihydroxyacetone supplementation of CPD adenine.

Units of CPDA-1 whole blood were subdivided and each treated with additions of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to give final concentrations from 0 to 80 mM. The 'optimum' concentration of DHA to maintain 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) with minimal loss of ATP during 42 days of storage appeared to be 30 mM of DHA. With this formulation, red cell 2,3-DPG concentrations rose to 130-140% of normal by 14 days and then decreased in a near-linear manner to 50-60% normal by 42 days, while maintaining adequate ATP levels. In addition, packed red cells were prepared form CPD fresh blood and treated with adenine, glucose, and various concentrations (0-80 mM) of DHA. The cells also responded most favorably to 30mM DHA, although the response was not as positive as whole blood. This concentration of DHA produced nearly 100% maintenance of 2,3-DPG at 14 days with subsequent fall to 30% of normal by 42 days.