Metabolic changes in stored blood measured by methylene blue

Abstract

The accumulation of methylene blue by metabolizing red cells has been studied during various periods of storage. A progressive decrease in dye uptake occurs over a period of from 14 to 36 days. This change can be slowed or corrected by the addition of inosine at the onset or at the end of storage. These findings implicate the pentose shunt in the metabolic defect which develops during in vitro aging. It is suggested that measurement of methylene blue accumulation is a sensitive indicator of alterations in the metabolic integrity of the red cell and may be useful in the identification of the storage defect.