Hemoglobin function in stored blood, XVII. Maintenance of red cell 2,3 DPG (function) and ATP (viability) for six weeks in ACD or CPD-adenine-inosine-methylene blue

Abstract

Blood preservatives containing adenine for six week storage have been prepared with inosine and methylene blue at various pH levels in order to maintain, 23-DPG levels for immediate oxygen transport upon transfusion. In one experiment, the adverse effect of a high pH on ATP maintenance was demonstrated in the presence of methylene blue and inosine. In this and other experiments it was clear that ATP was better maintained in low pH preservatives and DPG better maintained in higher pH preservatives. However, 2,3-DPG levels were kept from falling with CPD-adenine-inosine over a wide range of pH values. A CPD-adenine-inosine preservative at a pH 5.8 maintained normal DPG levels for three weeks of storage. A similar preservative but with a pH of 6.6 maintained normal DPG levels for 35 days of storage. It is suggested that if all blood bank units are going to have normal DPG levels for optimal oxygen transport at the time of transfusion then a CPD preservative with a higher pH and/or metabolic nutrients and regulators such as inosine or methylene blue would be required.