Partition and countercurrent distribution of erythrocytes and leukocytes from different species

Abstract

1. 1. The partition of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets from a number of different species in aqueous, dextran-polyethylene glycol 2-phase systems was studied. The partitition coefficients of these cells were found to be species dependent; they provide, in some cases, a method for the separation of leukocytes from erythrocytes by countercurrent distribution. 2. 2. The separability of red blood cells from white blood cells by countercurrent distribution is illustrated for rabbit and for rat. The partitition coefficients of their red and white cells are sufficiently different that a separation is feasible. Distribution curves of erythrocytes and leukocytes from these two species are presented as confirmation of the partition studies. Since red blood cells of different ages are separated by countercurrent distribution [11], it follows that by appropriate choice of phase system and species one can obtain red blood cells of different ages free of white blood cells in one operation. 3. 3. It is also shown that the sequence of partition coefficients for erythrocytes and platelets from a number of species is similar. This may be fortuitous or indicate a similarity of those surface properties which determine the partition of cells in these phase systems. 4. 4. Countercurrent distribution of white blood cells from lamb (and rabbit but not human) results in a 2-peak curve. Preliminary examination of the lamb cells in the different cavities of the extraction train indicates the presence of both granulocytes and lymphocytes under both curves. It is possible (although by no means established) that we have resolved two populations of granulocytes and two populations of lymphocytes. Among other possibilities is that intact and damaged leukocytes have been separated. Studies with white cells are being continued. 5. 5. A few remarks on phase systems and the possible relation between these and the cell characteristics which determine the partition of cells are included.