Development of a whole blood staining device for use during space shuttle flights

Background: Exposure to microgravity during space flight results in profoun d physiologic changes. Numerous studies have shown changes in circulating p opulations of peripheral blood immune cells immediately after space flight. It is currently unknown if these changes result from exposure to micrograv ity or are caused by the stress of reentry and readaptation to gravity. Methods: We have developed the whole blood staining device (WBSD) as a syst em for the staining of whole blood collected during space flight for subseq uent flow cytometric analysis. This device contains all liquids to address safety issues concerned with space flight and also moves the cells through the staining, lyse/fixation, and dilution steps. Results: Data from now cytometric analysis of samples stained in the WBSD w as found to be comparable to data from samples stained by the conventional methods. Cells stained with the WBSD remain stable in the device for up to 14 days. The necessary manipulations required to use the device were tested on the KC-135 aircraft during the reduced gravity segment of parabolic fli ght. Conclusions: With the WBSD immunophenotype analysis can be performed at var ious time points for the duration of an entire Shuttle flight. In addition, this device has significant terrestrial applications for rapid and easy im munofluorescence labeling of whole blood in remote and isolated locations w here immediate access to specialized equipment and skilled laboratory perso nnel may not be available. The WBSD provides a simple mechanism to design s pecific immunophenotyping tests for use by nontechnical personnel at bedsid e or in field locations. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.(dagger).