THE EFFECT OF DISINFECTION ON VIABILITY AND FUNCTION OF BABOON RED-BLOOD-CELLS

Methods that have been optimized for disinfection of red blood cells b efore transfusion must be evaluated for their effect on red blood cell viability and function in vitro and in vivo. This study evaluates (1) in vitro effects of Panavirocide treatment and benzoporphyrin (BPD) p hotosensitization on baboon and human red blood cell parameters and (2 ) in vivo effects of five disinfectant treatments on 24 h posttransfus ion survival and cell lifetimes for baboon red blood cells. The in vit ro studies showed that both disinfection methods resulted in a signifi cant reduction in red blood cell potassium, suggesting that intracellu lar potassium is a sensitive measure of red cell injury during disinfe ction, The in vivo studies demonstrated significant reductions in the 24 h posttransfusion survival of baboon red blood cells and reductions in cell lifespan treated with a Panavirocide solution, BPD photosensi tization and 15 mM nonactivated sodium chlorite, No effects were seen with 250 ppm formaldehyde, aluminum phthalocyanine photosensitization or activated sodium chlorite, These in vivo data showing effects of di sinfection treatments support the use of baboons in studying disinfect ion procedures of autologous red blood cells before attempting studies in humans.