Freeze-preserved baboon red blood cells: effects of biochemical modification and perfusion in vitro.

Nonrejuvenated and rejuvenated baboon RBC were freeze-preserved with 40% (w/v) glycerol at -80 C. To prepare rejuvenated RBC, a 50-ml solution containing pyruvate, inosine, glucose, phosphate, and adenine was used and RBC were incubated with this solution before glycerolization and freezing. Appropriate steps were taken to minimize osmotic damage to the RBC during glycerolization and deglycerolization. Nonrejuvenated and rejuvenated cryopreserved RBC had freeze-thaw recovery values of 98%, freeze-thaw-wash recovery values of 92%, and 24-hour post-transfusion survival values of 85%. Some units of cryopreserved RBC were autotransfused after thawing, washing, and storage at 4 C for 24 hours. Other units were perfused in vitro before autotransfusion. After 24 hours of postwash storage, the RBC were concentrated by centrifugation and suspended in a plasma protein fraction and/or an electrolyte solution, and then were exposed to extracorporeal perfusion. Serious adverse effects were not observed on posttransfusion survival, function, or hemolysis in nonrejuvenated or rejuvenated baboon RBC as a result of perfusion in vitro.