CHARACTERISTICS OF STORED GRANULOCYTES COLLECTED FROM DONORS STIMULATED WITH DEXAMETHASONE

Two hours after normal donors were given i.v. dexamethasone, their leukocytes were collected by intermittent flow centrifugation. Neutrophils were tested immediately after collection and following storage at 4-6.degree. C for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Tests included total leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts, plasma glucose concentrations, the percentage of phagocytic neutrophils, the ability of phagocytes to accumulate particles, candidacidal activity, bactericidal capacity and chemotaxis. Total leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts in the stored suspensions decreased after 48 h (P = .005). Plasma glucose levels in the suspensions declined at first, then stabilized at 48 h of storage probably because of loss of cellular integrity. Chemotaxis, candidacidal activity, phagocytosis and dye exclusion showed statistically significant decreases at 24 h. Chemotaxis deteriorated rapidly, with a mean 63% functional loss at 48 h. Treatment of donors with dexamethasone does not extend the storage limits of granulocyte concentrates used for clinical transfusions. Based on these and previous observations, unless the storage changes are reversible, granulocyte concentrates should probably not be stored more than 24 h before transfusion.