The Immunocompetence of Residual Lymphocytes at Various Stages of Red Cell Cryopreservation with 40% W/V Glycerol in an Ionic Medium at –80 C

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Abstract
Potentially immunocompetent cells were found in washed liquid-stored red blood cells, in washed liquid-stored red blood cells to which a 40% W/V [weight/volume] glycerol concentration was added and in washed red blood cells freeze-preserved with 40% W/V glycerol at -80% C. A glycerol concentration of 40% W/V in an ionic medium, in addition to its cryoprotective effect on red blood cells, had a damaging effect on leukocytes. The freeze-thaw-wash process appeared to produce the most damage to leukocytes and the remaining lymphocytes can be categorized into 2 groups; 1 that is capable of responding to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and 1 that is not. This study confirmed the presence of PHA-responsive lymphocytes in red blood cells freeze-preserved with 40% W/V glycerol in an ionic medium at -80.degree. C. Although the relative proportions of these cells were variable and the results of the study somewhat erratic, liquid-preserved and freeze-preserved red blood cells should be irradiated before transfusion to patients in whom graft vs. host disease is a possible complication.