Influence of Fresh Frozen Plasma, Red Blood Cell Packs, and Hydroxyethyl Starch on Phagocytosis of Leukocytes – An in vitro Model

Abstract

Background: Phagocytosis represents a cornerstone in defence against infection as well as in wound healing process. Several reports are describing a negative influence on phagocytosis by hydroxyethyl starch (HAES). The aim of our study was to examine the effect of red blood cell packs (RCP), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and HAES on leukocyte phagocytosis in human whole blood by an in vitro model. Materials and Methods: Heparinized blood samples of 20 healthy probands were incubated with probes of FFP, RCP and HAES for 30 min. Afterwards phagocytic activity in whole blood was measured with opsonized fluorescent Escherichia coli . A flow cytometer (FACScan) with an excitation wavelength of 488 nm was used. Human leukocytes were separated by live gating at 630 nm red fluorescence. For phagocytosis assay, FITC fluorescence was measured at 530 nm. Phagocytic activity was determined for monocytes and granulocytes separately. Results: In healthy persons there was no significant influence on phagocytosis in vitro neither by FFP and RCP nor by HAES incubation. However, after incubation with HAES and FFP there was a greater deviation from the whole blood sample than in the samples incubated with RCP.

Effects of Hydroxyethyl Starch and Modified Fluid Gelatine on Phagocytic Activity of Human Neutrophils and Monocytes – Results of a Randomized, Prospective Clinical Study

“…Although their effects on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been stud- ied extensively to date, there have been only few in vitro studies investigating the influence of colloidal fluids on human leukocyte function [16][17][18][19]. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the in vivo effects of several 6% HES and 3% MFG solutions on phagocytic activity of human PMNs and monocytes.…”

“…Phagocytic capacity determined by uptake of FITC-labelled bacteria was unaltered following incubation of all colloidal fluids investigated. Schulte et al [16] recently examined the effect of red blood cell packs (RCP), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and 10% HES on leukocyte phagocytic activity. After incubation of the substances investigated in whole blood of healthy volunteers, no adverse effects could be found on phagocytosis of PMNs and monocytes.…”

“…However, the effects of colloidal fluids on human immune cell functions under clinical conditions have not yet been investigated. At present, only a few studies evaluated the in vitro influence of such fluids on human leukocyte function [16][17][18][19]. Therefore, the present prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted in order to investigate the in vivo effects of several 6% HES and 3% MFG solutions on phagocytic activity of human PMNs and monocytes using a flow cytometry technique [20].…”