Histological and immunohistochemical studies on the preparation of leukocyte-poor red cell concentrates by filtration: the filtration process on cellulose acetate fibers.

A histological and immunohistochemical investigation of slices from the Cellselect leukocyte filter showed that the capture of lymphocytes within these filters depended on trapping of the cells in the cellulose acetate fiber network more than on adherence. Probably, additional mechanisms played a role in granulocyte removal. Microaggregates of granulocytes and platelets were found at the top of the Cellselect leukocyte filter. Therefore, it is likely that granulocyte and platelet removal, at least in part, is due to the formation of cell clusters on the surface of the fibers. Although a part of the original, nonfiltered, leukocytes already showed morphologic characteristics of cell necrosis, more necrotic leukocytes were detected within the filter.