ERYTHROCYTE DEPLETION OF HUMAN UMBILICAL-CORD BLOOD USING DEXTRAN SEDIMENTATION

We report on the results of a study using high molecular weight dextra n for depletion of red blood cells (RBCs) from cord blood. Our techniq ue achieved efficient RBC depletion by sedimentation without a signifi cant loss in haemopoietic stem cells. Cord blood units were fractionat ed for erythrocyte depletion by unit gravity sedimentation in 3 per ce nt high molecular weight dextran. Dextran sedimentation enabled recove ry of more than 80 per cent of the total nucleated cells present and 1 00 per cent mononuclear cell (MNC) recovery as compared to unfractiona ted cord blood. A four-fold increase:in the colony forming unit - gran ulocyte macrophage (CFU - GM) number per 2 x 10(5) cells was observed after dextran treatment suggesting that this step also resulted In the enrichment of stem cells.