Generation of cytokines in red cell concentrates during storage is prevented by prestorage white cell reduction.

BACKGROUND

The effect of prestorage white cell (WBC) filtration on the cytokine content in red cells (RBCs) has not been clarified.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Six units of buffy coat-poor RBC concentrates were prepared. Each unit was divided into three parts: one was used as a control, the second was made WBC-rich by the addition of WBCs from the buffy coat, and the third was made WBC-poor by filtration. All units were stored at 4 degrees C for 6 weeks. Immediately after preparation and every second week subsequently, samples for analyses of interleukin (IL) 1 beta (IL-1), IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) were obtained. After 13 weeks, the procedure was repeated on the same donors.

RESULTS

IL-2 was not detected. The amounts of IL-1, IL-8, and TNF alpha increased during the storage period. With the exception of IL-8, only low concentrations were found. Filtered units had lower concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF alpha after 2 weeks of storage than did the control and WBC-rich units. The amounts of cytokines in filtered units did not increase during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Prestorage filtration seems to diminish the amount of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF alpha RBCs during storage. The possible clinical implications of this should be elucidated.