Gary Stack, MD, PhD

We have investigated the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mediating adverse effects of blood transfusion. We have shown that leukocyte-derived cytokines such as interleukins-1, -6, - 8, as well as MIP-1 alpha, GRO-alpha, and TNF-alpha are present in the plasma portion of stored platelet concentrates and are generated in vitro during blood bank preparation and storage. Some cytokines were also detected in the supernatant portion of red blood cell units. These cytokines are generated in direct proportion to the leukocyte content of the component, the storage temperature, and the storage time. Bacterial contamination of blood components, as might occur in the setting of a septic transfusion reaction, further stimulates cytokine generation. Pre-storage leukoreduction of blood components prevents the generation of leukocyte-dereived cytokines.