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D de Korte

Publications and source records attributed to D de Korte.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Differential sensitivities of pathogens in red cell concentrates to Tri-P(4)-photoinactivation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic treatment (PDT) with the cationic porphyrin, mono-phenyl-tri-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)-porphyrin chloride [Tri-P(4)], has previously been shown to be effective at inactivating vesicle stomatitis virus (VSV) in red cell concentrates (RCC) with limited damage to red blood cells (RBC). The aim of this study was to determine the pathogen-inactivating capacity of PDT with Tri-P(4) for a broader range of pathogens and to establish the associated effect on in vitro RBC quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of viruses and bacteria was spiked into 60% RCC. Pathogen inactivation was determined after PDT with 25 microm Tri-P(4) and red light up to 360 kJ/m2. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cells were evaluated for cell death induction, and RCC were analysed for the induction of haemolysis and ATP content. RESULTS: For the lipid-enveloped viruses bovine viral diarrhoea virus, HIV and pseudorabies virus, and for the Gram positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, and the Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Yersinia enterolitica, inactivation of > or = 5 log10 was measured after 60 min of PDT with Tri-P(4). The required treatment time to achieve this level of inactivation was four times longer than required for VSV. For cell-associated HIV, only 1.7 log10 of inactivation was found, despite clear induction of cell death of HIV-infected cells. The non-enveloped virus, canine parvovirus, was completely resistant to the treatment. PDT of RCC with Tri-P(4) for 60 min, and subsequent storage in AS-3, resulted in 4% haemolysis after 35 days of storage. The ATP content of untreated and treated RBC declined with similar kinetics during storage. CONCLUSION: PDT of RCC with Tri-P(4) for 60 min inactivates a wide range of pathogens, but not cell-associated HIV and a non-enveloped virus, and compromises RBC quality. This reduces the suitability of PDT with Tri-P(4) for red cell sterilization. Therefore, further improvements in the treatment procedures to potentiate pathogen inactivation and to preserve RBC integrity will be required to generate an effective treatment for sterilizing RCC.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Prolonged storage of red blood cells affects aminophospholipid translocase activity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Loss of phospholipid asymmetry in the membrane of red blood cells (RBC) results in exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and to subsequent removal from the circulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term storage of RBCs on two activities affecting phospholipid asymmetry: the ATP-dependent aminophospholipid translocase (or flippase, transporting PS from the outer to the inner leaflet) and phospholipid scrambling (which will move PS from the inner to the outer leaflet). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard leukodepleted RBC concentrates were stored in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) at 4 degrees C for up to 7 weeks. PS exposure was determined by measurement of AnnexinV-FITC binding to the cells, flippase activity by measurement of the inward translocation of NBD-labelled PS. Scrambling activity was determined by following the inward translocation of fluorescent NBD-phosphatidylcholine. In parallel, intracellular ATP levels were determined. RESULTS: PS exposure amounted to only 1.5 +/- 0.3% positive cells (n = 8) after 5 weeks of storage, which slightly increased to 3.5 +/- 0.7% (n = 8) after 7 weeks of storage. Flippase activity started to decrease after 21 days of storage and reached 81 +/- 5% of the control value after 5 weeks of storage (n = 6) and 59 +/- 6% (n = 6) after 7 weeks. Also in RBC obtained by apheresis, flippase activity decreased upon storage. Scrambling activity remained virtually absent during storage, explaining the low PS exposure despite the decrease in flippase activity. Rejuvenation of RBC after 7 weeks to increase ATP levels only partially restored flippase activity, but in combination with a correction of the intracellular pH to that of fresh cells, almost complete restoration was achieved. The decrease in flippase activity after prolonged storage did make the RBCs more prone to PS exposure after activation of phospholipid scrambling. CONCLUSION: This study shows that, although PS exposure remains low, prolonged storage does compromise the RBC membrane by affecting flippase activity. When the metabolic changes induced by storage are corrected, flippase activity can be restored.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The effect of storage time of human red cells on intestinal microcirculatory oxygenation in a rat isovolemic exchange model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the storage time of human leukodepleted red blood cell concentrates compromises intestinal microvascular oxygen concentration oxygen (muPo(2)) during isovolemic exchange transfusion at low hematocrit. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: University research institute laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male Wistar rats. INTERVENTIONS: Intestinal muPo(2) was determined by Pd-porphyrin phosphorescence life-time measurements. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Rats were brought near to a state of oxygen supply dependency by hemodilution with a pasteurized plasma protein solution to a hematocrit of 14.3 +/- 1.1% (n = 24). Subsequently, an isovolemic exchange transfusion with human leukodepleted red blood cells, stored for 2-6 days (fresh, n = 8), 2-3 wks (intermediate, n = 8), or 5-6 wks (old, n = 8), was performed to determine whether intestinal muPo(2) would be preserved. Immunologic reactions were avoided by washing the red blood cell concentrates three times before use. Isovolemic exchange with fresh and intermediate red blood cells maintained muPo(2) whereas old cells decreased muPo(2) with 26%. Subsequent transfusion with red blood cells (hematocrit approximately 60%) until reaching a hematocrit of 32.4 +/- 2.1 % (n = 24) increased intestinal muPo(2) in all three groups to the same extent between 28% and 32%. No changes in red blood cell deformability, as determined by a Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer, could be demonstrated during 5 wks of storage. CONCLUSION: This study shows that at low hematocrit, the oxygen-delivering capacity of human red blood cells stored 5-6 wks is reduced compared with fresh cells and red blood cells stored for an intermediate period. Although red blood cells stored for 2-3 wks are completely devoid of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, their oxygen-delivering capacity to the intestines was the same as fresh red blood cells. Our study showed that red blood cell deformability was preserved during storage, suggesting that other mechanisms may account for the observed decrease in oxygen delivery by red blood cells stored 2-3 wks.

Animals↗

The age of stored red blood cell concentrates at the time of transfusion.

In the past decade, studies suggesting a reduced oxygen delivery by stored red blood cell concentrates (RBCCs) have initiated a discussion about the use of fresh versus old blood. We determined whether old RBCCs represent a significant part of the total of RBCCs issued. The age of RBCCs at the time of transfusion was determined in 74 084 units during a 5-year period in the Academic Medical Center, a main Dutch University Hospital. The mean (+/-SD) storage time of the total number of transfused RBCC was 19.4 +/- 7.0 days, and 37% were older than 3 weeks. As more than one-third of the transfused RBCC units are stored for longer than 3 weeks, the research examining differences in oxygen delivery between fresh and stored RBCC is relevant for packed RBC transfusion practice.

Blood Preservation↗

Generation of singlet oxygen induces phospholipid scrambling in human erythrocytes.

Maintenance of phospholipid asymmetry of the plasma membrane is essential for cells to prevent phagocytic removal or acceleration of coagulation. Photodynamic treatment (PDT), which relies on the generation of reactive oxygen species to achieve inactivation of pathogens, might be a promising approach in the future for decontamination of red blood cell concentrates. To investigate whether PDT affects phospholipid asymmetry, erythrocytes were illuminated in the presence of 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) as photosensitizer and subsequently labeled with FITC-labeled annexin V. This treatment resulted in about 10% annexin V positive cells, indicating exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS). Treatment of erythrocytes with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) prior to illumination, to inhibit inward translocation of PS via the aminophospholipid translocase, resulted in enhanced PS exposure, while treatment with H(2)O(2) (previously shown to inhibit phospholipid scrambling) greatly diminished PS exposure, indicating the induction of phospholipid scrambling by PDT. Only erythrocytes illuminated in the presence of DMMB showed translocation of NBD-phosphatidylcholine (NBD-PC), confirming scrambling induction. Double label experiments indicated that PS exposure does not occur without concurrent scrambling activity. Induction of scrambling was only moderately affected by Ca(2+) depletion of the cells. In contrast, scavengers of singlet oxygen were found to prevent phospholipid scrambling induced by PDT. The results of this study show that phospholipid scrambling is induced in human erythrocytes by exposure to singlet oxygen.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

Pathogen reduction of buffy coat platelet concentrates using riboflavin and light: comparisons with pathogen-reduction technology-treated apheresis platelet products.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A pathogen-reduction technology (PRT) system using riboflavin and light has been developed for the treatment of platelet concentrates (PC) obtained by either buffy coat preparation (BCPC) or apheresis procedures (APPC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the treatment process on in vitro cell quality and on riboflavin conversion in PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BCPC were prepared with the Compomat G4 from whole blood which had been stored overnight after collection. APPC were obtained using the TRIMA apheresis procedure. Both PC products had been stored for 18-24 h prior to PRT treatment. BCPC and APPC were treated with PRT on day 2 and day 1 of shelf-life, respectively. The treated PCs were then maintained for an additional 5 days after the PRT treatment. A panel of cell quality assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were performed. RESULTS: Cell counts and plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels during storage indicated that PRT did not induce significant cell lysis. Acceleration of a decrease in glucose and an increase in lactate was observed for treated PCs, but no significant differences were observed between treated BCPC and APPC. The pH of treated samples remained above 7.0, although was lower than that of the control. Platelet morphology of BCPC and APPC was well preserved. P-selectin expression indicated significant platelet activation when compared with control PC (BCPC on day 6: 39% vs. 12%; APPC on day 5: 35% vs. 18%). Both P-selectin expression and microparticle formation were not significantly different between treated BCPC and APPC during storage. The JC-1 assay also displayed no loss of mitochondria integrity during the storage of treated products. Approximately 20% of riboflavin converted into photoproducts, including lumichrome. CONCLUSIONS: PRT treatment had an effect on the development of the normal platelet storage lesion at a level which seems tolerable for clinical usage.

Blood Component Removal↗

Quality determinants of erythrocyte destined for transfusion.

An overview is given of a series of standard assays to evaluate the quality of red cell concentrates for transfusion. These are visual inspection, assessment of hemolysis, quantitation of 2,3-DPG and nucleotide levels (especially ATP) and evaluation of morphology. These parameters, relatively easy to measure, are main determinants of in vivo recovery after transfusion. In addition, some other assays are described, which should give more information about the function of red blood cells after transfusion. These assays include plasma-induced hemolysis, binding of annexin-V, deformability measurements and a rat model to judge oxygen delivery by human red blood cells (RBC). Especially in judging new protocols for the preparation of red cell products, involving e.g. improved additive solutions or pathogen inactivation methods, these quality parameters should not be compromised.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

Additive effects of dipyridamole and Trolox in protecting human red cells during photodynamic treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic treatment (PDT) of red blood cell (RBC) suspensions has been reported to result in virus inactivation, but also in deterioration of cell quality. Recently, we have demonstrated the potential usefulness of the reactive oxygen species scavenger dipyridamole in selectively protecting RBCs against the harmful side-effects of PDT. Unfortunately, dipyridamole-conferred protection against long-term photohaemolysis was incomplete. In the present study, dipyridamole was applied in combination with Trolox (a hydrophilic vitamin E analogue) in order to augment RBC protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leucodepleted RBC suspensions (30% haematocrit) were treated with 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) and red light, and the effect of inclusion of dipyridamole and Trolox was assessed on potassium leakage as well as on short-term and long-term photohaemolysis. Possible interference of the scavenger cocktail with virus inactivation was examined using extracellular pseudorabies virus (PRV). RESULTS: Treatment of RBC with DMMB and red light resulted in enhanced potassium leakage and both short- and long-term haemolysis. Dipyridamole and Trolox showed additive protective effects against induction of potassium leakage and photohaemolysis, suggesting different protection mechanisms for the two scavengers. Combined inclusion of dipyridamole and Trolox did not interfere with efficacy of PRV inactivation. CONCLUSIONS: Combined inclusion of dipyridamole and Trolox results in substantially improved selectivity of photodynamic treatment of RBC suspensions.

Antioxidants↗

Composition of the additive solution affects red blood cell integrity after photodynamic treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic treatment is a promising technique for pathogen inactivation of red blood cell concentrates. For protocol optimization, the influence of the composition of the storage solution on the integrity of phototreated red cells was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Red blood cells were resuspended in the storage solutions SAG-M or AS-3 to a haematocrit (Hct) of 30%. After addition of the photosensitizer, 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) (25 microm), the suspensions were illuminated with red light, and potassium leakage and delayed haemolysis were determined. In some experiments, the cells were washed after illumination and resuspended in modified storage solutions. RESULTS: Illumination of red cells in the presence of DMMB resulted in an immediate, light-dose-dependent increase in potassium leakage. The illumination conditions used induced no detectable haemolysis immediately after photodynamic treatment. Potassium leakage was higher when the illumination was performed in AS-3. In contrast, delayed haemolysis, measured after overnight storage, was considerably lower when cells were stored in AS-3. This protection was mainly a result of the presence of citrate in AS-3. In addition, other impermeant solutes protected against haemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: The additive solution strongly influences the integrity of red cells after photodynamic treatment. Whereas the solution in which the cells are illuminated has a small effect on red cell integrity, the main influence of the additive solution is during post-treatment storage. Red cell integrity is best maintained when illumination is performed in SAG-M followed by storage in AS-3. The presence of non-permeant solutes, such as citrate, in the solution used for storage, prevents haemolysis of the phototreated, cation-permeable cells by counterbalancing the osmotic activity of haemoglobin.

Blood Preservation↗

Comparison of various dimethylsulphoxide-containing solutions for cryopreservation of leucoreduced platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Leucoreduced platelet concentrates (LR-PCs) can be stored at 20-24 degrees C for 5-7 days. When LR-PCs are cryopreserved they can be stored for several years. For cryopreservation to become applicable in blood-bank practice, an off-the-shelf cryoprotectant is needed that can be added to the LR-PC in a sterile manner. For this, we varied the composition of the cryopreservation medium and studied various parameters of cryopreserved LR-PCs for up to 24 h after thawing at room temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LR-PCs in plasma or Composol were concentrated and divided into 2 units. To each unit, an equal part of 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in plasma, Composol with or without 5% albumin, or GPO (pasteurized plasma-protein solution) was added. Freezing occurred at 1 degrees C/min and LR-PCs were placed in the vapour phase of nitrogen. LR-PCs were thawed at 37 degrees C and stored at room temperature. LR-PCs were tested for morphology, platelet recovery, swirling effect, and activation antigens at various time-points thereafter. RESULTS: LR-PCs in 100%, 65% and 50% plasma supplemented with Composol showed good morphology scores (>250), limited CD62P expression (<35%), low CD63 expression (<20%) and a swirling effect of about 2, at 24 h after thawing. At the same time-point, platelet recovery was >80% under all conditions and CD42b expression varied between 70 and 85%. Results of LR-PCs in 15% plasma and Composol, with or without plasma substitutes, were not acceptable at 24 h after thawing, i.e. the morphology score was <200 and the CD62P expression was >40%. CONCLUSIONS: A minimum of 50% plasma in the cryopreserved LR-PC is necessary to maintain an acceptable in vitro quality of platelets up to 24 h after thawing. Composol is a good candidate for using to prepare an off-the-shelf cryoprotectant.

Blood Platelets↗

Diversion of first blood volume results in a reduction of bacterial contamination for whole-blood collections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In a previous study we established a reliable setpoint for the prevalence of bacteria in whole blood. In the present study we investigated the possible preventive effect, of diversion of the first 10 ml of a blood donation, on the bacterial contamination rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To divert the first 10 ml of a whole-blood donation, we used a special five-bag system equipped with a Composampler device. After venepuncture, the first 10 ml of a donation was sampled into a vacutainer tube. This was followed by the collection of the whole-blood unit. The extra bag allowed direct sampling of the final donation in a closed system for BacT/Alert. Whole-blood samples were taken after storage (2-14 h at 20 degrees C) and subsequent mixing. BacT/Alert culture bottles were incubated until positive, or for 7 days if negative. Confirmation and identification of positive cultures was performed according to internationally recognized standard reference methods. RESULTS: The prevalence of bacteria in whole blood, as determined by using standard collection techniques, was 0.35% (95% confidence interval 0.27-0.44%, n = 18 257). After diversion of the first 10 ml this value was significantly lower: 0.21% (P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.35%, n = 7087). Most strikingly, a reduction in the frequency of staphylococcal species was observed (P < 0.02, reduction from 0.14 to 0.03%). CONCLUSIONS: Diversion of the first 10 ml of blood was shown to contribute significantly to a reduction in the prevalence of superficial skin bacteria in whole-blood units. In our opinion, blood collection systems should be adapted to use the first 10-30 ml of a whole-blood donation for testing purposes.

Bacterial Infections↗

Improved platelet compatiblity of water vapour glow discharge treated non-woven poly(ethylene terephthalate) leukocyte-reduction filters for different types of platelet concentrates.

Non-woven poly[ethylene terephthalate] (NW-PET) filter fabric, usually used for leucocyte removal of red cells, was modified by water vapour glow discharge (WVGD) treatment to improve platelet compatibility. Modified filter material was evaluated with different kinds of platelet concentrates (PCs). In addition, modified filter materials were gamma-sterilized and tested after different time intervals at different storage conditions. Modification of the filter material resulted in an improved platelet recovery after filtration of PC from 57 to about 80%. No significant difference in platelet recovery was observed when filtering either freshly prepared (79 +/- 3.5%, mean +/- SD), overnight-stored single BC-PC (78 +/- 3.3%), overnight-stored single PRP-PC (75 +/- 8.8%) or overnight-stored pooled BC-PC (79 +/- 8.9%). However, freshly prepared pooled BC-PC gave a significantly higher platelet recovery (84 +/- 3.5%). Leukocyte depletion did not differ significantly between the different types of PC. gamma-Sterilization and subsequent storage of the modified filter material for 5, 14 and 26 weeks at 20 degrees C or 37 degrees C had no significant influence on the filtration results of overnight-stored pooled BC-PC. The results of the present study show that WVGD-treated NW-PET is platelet compatible and can be used for leucocyte removal from preferably BC-PC. It can be gamma-sterilized and stored for at least 6 months prior to filtration without affecting the platelet recovery and leucocyte removal.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Automated blood-mixing devices still fail to mix at low bleeding rates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated mixing performance for various commercial blood-mixing devices at different flow rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A glycerol solution with a density equal to blood was pumped into a blood bag (mounted on a mixer) that contained 70 ml of Toluidin Blue in citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD). After 500 ml of glycerol solution had been pumped into the blood bag, the bag was emptied in fractions and the absorbance at 640 nm of each fraction (expressed as percentage of mixture absorbance) was plotted against the fraction number. RESULTS: At a flow rate of 30 ml/min, the curves were very sigmoid, with high initial values that decreased during collection of the fractions. The absorbance values of the fractions collected later (after approximately 250-300 ml) were 10-50% (i.e. percentage of absorbance for complete mixing) for the different mixers, indicating that the CPD solution was incompletely mixed with the incoming solution, resulting in a lower-than-expected 'anticoagulant' content for the fractions collected later. At a flow rate of 50 ml/min the mixing was improved, but only at 75 ml/min did all mixers show relatively good mixing. Manual mixing, by kneading the bag three times/min, gave at all rates an almost ideal mixing curve, 105% initially to 90% in the final fractions. CONCLUSION: At relatively high bleeding rates, all mixers performed well, although complete mixing was only obtained with manual kneading. However, most blood-mixing devices still fail to mix efficiently at normal and low bleeding rates. Although the minimal degree of necessary mixing is unknown, further optimization of mixing devices seems warranted.

Anticoagulants↗

Determination of the degree of bacterial contamination of whole-blood collections using an automated microbe-detection system.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of bacterial contamination in whole-blood collections, either with immediate sampling or sampling after overnight storage as whole blood at 20 degrees C, is determined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood was collected under blood bank conditions in special five-bag systems, allowing sampling in a closed system for culture bottles. Samples were taken within 2 hours after collection (Group 1) or after overnight storage of the whole blood at 20 degrees C (Group 2). Culture bottles were incubated for 7 days, and positive samples were entered on agar plates for confirmation and determination. RESULTS: In Group 1, 9219 units were tested; 27 units were positive with positive subculture, that is, 0.29 percent with a 95% CI of 0.19 to 0.42 percent. In Group 2, 9038 units were tested; 36 units were positive with positive subculture, that is, 0.39 percent with a 95% CI of 0.28 to 0.55 percent. No significant difference could be found between the two test groups. The majority of bacteria were either Staphylococcus (all coagulase-negative) or Propionibacterium species. CONCLUSION: For a total of 18,257 units, 0.34 percent (CI, 0.25-0.44) of whole-blood collections appeared to have bacterial contamination (mainly skin-derived). Overnight storage of whole blood at 20 degrees C did not have a significant effect on the prevalence of bacterial contamination.

Bacteria↗

The effect of the transfusion of stored RBCs on intestinal microvascular oxygenation in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that the transfusion of stored RBCs does not always improve tissue O(2) consumption under conditions of limited tissue oxygenation, the efficiency of O(2) delivery to the microcirculation by stored RBCs has never been determined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a rat hemorrhagic shock model, the effects of resuscitation with fresh or 28-day-old RBCs stored in CPD plasma, saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol, and CPDA-1 plasma were investigated. Systemic hemodynamic and intestinal oxygenation measures were monitored. Intestinal microvascular PO(2) was determined with the O(2)-dependent quenching of palladium-porphyrin phosphorescence, and the RBC deformability was measured with a Laser-assisted optic rotational cell analyzer. RESULTS: Hemodynamic and oxygenation measures were significantly decreased during hemorrhagic shock. Intestinal oxygen consumption and mesenteric venous pO(2) were restored with the transfusion of both fresh and stored RBCs, except for CPD-stored RBCs. The intestinal microvascular pO(2) improved only with the transfusion of fresh RBCs. Deformability of the stored RBCs was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: In contrast to that of fresh RBCs, the transfusion of stored RBCs did not restore the microcirculatory oxygenation, possibly because of impaired O(2) unloading, but, except for CPD-stored RBCs, the storage-induced changes were not enough to impair intestinal VO(2) and mesenteric venous pO(2).

Animals↗

Comparison between a new PVC platelet storage container (UPX80) and a polyolefin container.

During storage of platelet concentrates (PCs), the quality of the platelets deteriorates gradually, partially dependent on gas exchange. UPX80 (JMS, Japan) 1-L platelet storage PVC containers with increased gas transport capacity were compared with 1- and 1. 5-L polyolefin (PO) containers (NPBI, the Netherlands) with filtered PCs stored either in GAC (gluconate-acetate-citrate, < 10% plasma) or in plasma, for 8 days. In total 32 PCs were made (260-330 x 109 platelets per concentrate), equally divided over different bags and storage media. During storage, gas exchange, metabolic, physical and activation parameters were measured. No consistent differences for all parameters were observed between UPX80 and PO containers (1-L or 1.5-L). Blood gas parameters indicated better gas exchange for UPX80 containers compared with PO containers. Good morphology was observed in UPX80 and metabolic functions were not significantly different compared with PO containers. During prolonged storage (after day 6), some significant differences in CD62P and CD63 expression were found, indicating a higher degree of platelet activation in UPX80 containers, especially in GAC. UPX80 PC containers are suitable for storage of PCs. Although in UPX80 better gas exchange is demonstrated, as compared with PO containers, this does not improve the platelet quality during storage for 6 days, indicating that gas exchange above the level of PO containers has no effect on the switch to aerobic metabolism in platelets.

Air↗

Selective protection of RBCs against photodynamic damage by the band 3 ligand dipyridamole.

BACKGROUND: All studied photosensitizers for virus inactivation impair RBCs. To reduce damage to the RBCs without affecting virucidal activity, selective protection of the RBCs is necessary. The ability of the band 3 ligand, dipyridamole, to react with singlet oxygen and to increase the selectivity of photosterilization was investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Solutions of dipyridamole were illuminated in the presence of tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcS(4)) and dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB). Solutions of amino acids, RBCs, and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in RBC suspensions were photodynamically treated in the presence or absence of dipyridamole. RESULTS: Illumination of a solution of dipyridamole in the presence of AlPcS(4) or DMMB resulted in changes in the optical spectrum of dipyridamole. The photooxidation of dipyridamole was inhibited by azide and augmented by D(2)O, which suggests the involvement of singlet oxygen. Photooxidation of amino acids and photodamage to RBCs was strongly reduced in the presence of dipyridamole. In contrast, photoinactivation of VSV in RBC suspensions was only slightly affected by dipyridamole. CONCLUSION: Dipyridamole can improve the specificity of photodynamic sterilization of RBC concentrates, thereby increasing the practical applicability of this photodecontamination method.

Antiviral Agents↗

Increase in glycocalicin levels in platelet concentrates stored in plasma or synthetic medium for 8 days: comparison with other platelet activation markers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Glycocalicin (GC) is a proteolytic fragment of GpIb and can conveniently be measured in supernatants of platelet concentrates (PCs) by means of a sandwich ELISA. Because of the convenience of the assay and easy sample storage, we tested its suitability as a sensitive platelet activation parameter during PC storage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Filtered PCs in plasma or additive solution were made from 5 pooled buffy coats and were subsequently stored during 8 days at 22+/-2 degrees C. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated after comparison of GC levels with platelet parameters. RESULTS: A significant increase in GC concentration was found on all subsequent sampling days. PC stored in plasma showed GC levels that correlated well with the soluble P-selectin levels (r = 0.7506), P-selectin (CD62P) expression on platelet membranes (r = 0. 8843), morphology scores according to Kunicki (r = -0.7102), lactate concentrations (r = 0.9216), glucose concentrations (r = -0.8913) and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) concentrations (r = 0.8913). In PCs stored in additive solution, the correlation coefficients with these markers were 0.9209 with soluble P-selectin, 0.7161 with CD62P expression, -0.7474 with morphology score, -0.8908 with glucose concentrations, 0.8923 with lactate concentrations and 0.8908 with beta-TG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The GC concentration correlates well with sensitive platelet (activation) parameters, rendering it a sensitive and convenient parameter for platelet activation.

Biomarkers↗