Short‐term liquid storage of CD14+ monocytes, CD11c+, and CD123+ precursor dendritic cells produced by leukocytapheresis

Abstract

This prospective study compared white blood cell (WBC) storage in polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags and in polyolefin (POF) bags. After leukapheresis, CD14+ monocytes, CD11c+, and CD123+ precusor dendritic cells (DCs) were analyzed under platelet (PLT) storage conditions. Twenty-five leukapheresis procedures were performed on blood cell separators (AS.TEC204 [PVC; Fresenius HemoCare GmbH] and the COBE Spectra [POF, Gambro BCT]). Blood cell counts, glucose, lactic acid, pO(2), pCO(2), and pH were measured in mononuclear cell (MNC) harvests on Days 0, 1, 3, and 5. WBCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The WBC yields of the AS.TEC204 harvests were 25 percent higher (13.4 x 10(9) +/- 2.7 x 10(9) WBCs) compared to the COBE Spectra (9.9 x 10(9) +/- 2.5 x 10(9) WBCs). During 5-day storage, WBC counts (PVC bags) decreased significantly (24%). Storage in POF bags showed more consistent results (WBC loss, 6%). Loss of CD14+ monocytes and CD11c+ precursor DCs did not differ significantly in leukapheresis products. CD123+ precursor DCs stored in PVC bags dropped by more than 90 percent (POF bags, 24%). Lactic acid concentrations exceeded 20 mmol per L after 24 hours in PVC bags and after 72 hours in POF bags. The mean pH value on Day 5 was 6.2 (PVC) and 6.3 (POF). On Day 1, the product glucose concentration decreased by 76 percent after storage in PVC bags and by 16 percent in POF bags. Storage of MNCs within 72 hours in the original harvest container assures stable WBC content and is easy to perform. POF bags should be preferred in the case of extended WBC storage. Patient studies should clarify changes in efficiency of hematopoietic reconstitution that might occur over time during MNC storage.