Improved storage of erythrocytes by prior leukodepletion: flow cytometric evaluation of stored erythrocytes.

In vivo phagocytosis of senescent red blood cells (RBCs) by macrophages occurs 120 days after their release into the circulation. It depends on two sequential signals that trigger phagocytosis: (1) desialylation of membrane glycoconjugates with the exposure of the penultimate beta-galactosyl residues and (2) exposure of phosphatidylserine in the membrane outer leaflet. Leukodepleted and nonleukodepleted RBCs were compared using flow cytometric procedures to determine whether the in vitro deterioration of RBCs during storage might be attributable to an identical mechanism of desialylation induced by leukocyte neuraminidases, resulting in exposure of beta-galactosyl and subsequently phosphatidylserine residues - signals of senescent RBCs. Without prior leukodepletion, stored RBCs showed an increased population of senescent RBCs (using light scatter measurements), extensive desialylation with the exposure of beta-galactosyl residues (using specific fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]-lectins), significant exposure of phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet of the RBC membrane (using FITC-annexin V), and extensive in vitro phagocytosis (using PKH-26-labeled RBCs). There were minimal changes observed with the leukodepleted RBCs. These results lead to the conclusion that leukocyte enzymes, including neuraminidases, are definitive contributers to the desialylation of RBCs during storage and to the exposure of phosphatidylserine residues. These deleterious effects resulting from highly active leukocyte enzymes are preventable by prior leukodepletion of the stored RBCs. Previously developed flow cytometric procedures to detect in vivo "RBC senescence" have been applied and proved to be reliable criteria to monitor the viability of stored RBCs. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.