Effect of Inosine on Red Cell Preservation1

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Abstract
The addition of the purine nucleoside inosine to acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) solution has been proposed as a method of prolonging the storage period of blood used for transfusion purposes. This study was undertaken to compare acid-citrate-dextrose-inosine (ACDI - 1.8 g inosine) and ACD as blood preservatives in different containers. The comparison was made by in vitro tests and the survival of Cr51 tagged red cells in vivo. In all, 109 studies were completed. The type of container, in general, did not appear to affect the results. The addition of inosine did not retard the fall in Na, or rise in K and hemoglobin which occurred on storage. The erythrocytes stored in ACD showed at least 70% survival at 24 hours after 21 days storage and in ACDI after 28 days storage. However, when stored for 35 and 42 days in ACDI, the erythro-cyte survival results were variable. The apparent half time survival, T/2, of viable cells was within normal limits although the T/2 decreased as the storage time increased. An increased uric acid excretion was found after transfusion of entire units of blood. Although only prolonging the storage period of erythrocytes for 7 days, it is hoped that the results will stimulate further interest in the effect of inosine on red cell metabolism and preservation.