Proteins Adsorbed on Hemodialysis Membranes Modulate Neutrophil Activation

The rapid adsorption of plasma proteins is one of the initial events that occur when blood enters into contact with an artificial surface. This study investigates adsorption of plasma proteins in vitro by different types of dialysis membranes and how it influences neutrophil oxygen radical production. The recovery of proteins varied between the membranes and was by far the largest on polysulfone. Electrophoresis of the proteins removed indicated that albumin was present on all of the membranes. A specific band at 45 kD was observed on polysulfone, whereas a band at 12-14 kD was seen on polysulfone and polyacrilonitrile. The adsorbed proteins enhanced or reduced the ability of the membranes to stimulate neutrophil superoxide production, as measured by cytochrome-C reduction. The complement system was involved in this stimulation only on some membranes. Therefore, protein adsorption and neutrophil activation appear to take part in the membrane bioincompatibility process.