Impact of alloantigens and storage-associated factors on stimulated cytokine response in an in vitro model of blood transfusion.

Background: Transfusion of blood may contribute to immunosuppression in major surgery. The authors assessed the impact of alloantigens and storage on function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured in their physiologic environment.

Methods: Blood units (whole blood, packed erythrocytes) were prepared with or without prestorage leukodepletion and stored for 24-26 days.