Altered expression of adhesion molecules (L-selectin and Mac-1) on granulocytes during storage

BACKGROUND: The success of granulocyte transfusion therapy for neutropenic patients with sepsis is dependent on the number and quality of the granulocytes transfused. There is a progressive impairment in granulocyte function during storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effect of 1 to 2, 4, 24, and 48 hours' storage on receptor expression associated with granulocyte function has been analyzed. RESULTS: After 24 hours' storage, significant changes were found in the expression of receptors associated with adhesion to the endothelium: a decrease in L- selectin expression (p < 0.01) and an increase in Mac-1 expression (p < 0.01). Receptors (CR1 and FcRIII), associated with adhesion to target, were either increased (CR1) or unaltered (FcRIII). The capacity to produce a reactive oxygen metabolite (hydrogen peroxide) remained essentially unchanged after 48 hours' storage. The ability of N-formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenyl alanine to mobilize Mac-1 and CR1 was reduced after 48 hours' storage. CONCLUSION: Since the regulation of adhesion molecules is important for the recruitment of granulocytes into an inflammatory site, the observed in vitro changes in L-selectin and Mac- 1 expression during storage may be of importance for the quality of granulocyte concentrates.