Vm. Tanavde et al., ERYTHROCYTE DEPLETION OF HUMAN UMBILICAL-CORD BLOOD USING DEXTRAN SEDIMENTATION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH, 106, 1997, pp. 16-19
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.