Effects of irradiation and leukoreduction on down regulation of CXCL-8 and storage lesion in stored canine whole blood.

White blood cells (WBCs) and storage period are the main factors of transfusion reactions. In the present study, cytokine/chemokine concentrations after leukoreduction (LR) and irradiation (IR) in stored canine whole blood were measured. Red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion caused by IR and LR were also compared. Blood samples from 10 healthy Beagles were divided into four groups (no treatment, LR, IR, and LR + IR). Leukocytes were removed by filtration in the LR group and gamma radiation (25Gy) was applied in the IR group. Immunologic factors (WBCs, IL-6, CXCL-8, and TNF-α) and storage lesion factors (blood pH, potassium, and hemolysis) were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. As results, IL-6 and CXCL-8 concentrations in control (no treatment) were significantly higher during storage. The LR group did not show changes in cytokine/chemokine concentrations, and the storage lesion was relatively mild. IR significantly increased CXCL-8 after 14 days of storage, but IR of leukoreduced blood did not increase CXCL-8 during 28 days of storage. However, storage lesions such as hemolysis, increased potassium, and low pH were observed 7 days after IR of blood, regardless of LR. IR of leukoreduced blood is beneficial to avoid immune reaction, however, storage lesion should be considered upon storage.