The role of electrolytes and pH in RBC ASs.
BACKGROUND
Experimental additive solutions (EASs) containing saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol and disodium phosphate can support RBCs for 9 or 10 weeks if used in 200- or 300-mL volumes. The effects of variations in the electrolyte composition and volume of EASs were explored.


METHODS
In three four-arm studies, 24 RBC units were pooled in groups of 4 and realiquoted as test units to ensure that all donors were equally represented in each study arm. In Study 1, units were stored for 11 weeks in EAS containing 0, 10, 20, or 30 mmol per L of sodium bicarbonate. In Study 2, units were stored for 9 weeks in EAS containing 26, 50, 100, or 150 mmol per L of sodium chloride. In Study 3, units were stored in 100 or 200 mL of AS-3 or EAS-61. RBC ATP concentrations and hemolysis were measured weekly.


RESULTS
Increasing the sodium bicarbonate content of EASs increased the pH throughout storage and increased RBC ATP concentrations in the later phases of storage, but it had no effect on hemolysis. Increased sodium chloride content of EASs led to lower RBC ATP concentrations and increased hemolysis. In EAS-61, RBC ATP concentrations were increased throughout storage, and hemolysis was lower than that of RBCs stored in AS-3.


CONCLUSIONS
RBC ATP synthesis is highly dependent on the pH of the AS. Hemolysis is affected by the salt content and volume of the AS.
Hess
J R
JR
Blood Research Detachment, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA. John.Hess@na.amedd.army.mil
Rugg
N
N
Knapp
A D
AD
Gormas
J F
JF
Hill
H R
HR
Oliver
C K
CK
Lippert
L E
LE
Greenwalt
T J
TJ
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000032:analysis; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D004573:Electrolytes; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate