Generation of IL-8 and TNF-alpha in platelet concentrates during storage.

BACKGROUND: Platelet transfusion is accompanied by febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. The generation of cytokines (like IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) in platelet concentrates by white cells is suggested to be responsible for febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. The number of white cells in the platelet concentrates is crucial to cytokine generation. METHODS: This study was performed to determine whether WBC reduction in platelet concentrates by prestorage leukodepletion filters or inactivation by gamma radiation reduced the levels of these cytokines during storage for 3 days. Each of the platelet concentrates (n = 54) was prepared from a single random donor by platelet-rich plasma. This was then divided into four groups: 1) unfiltered, nonirradiated random-donner platelet concentrates (n = 13); 2) unfiltered, gamma-irradiated random-donner platelet concentrates (n = 16); 3) filtered, nonirradiated random-donner platelet concentrates (n = 14); and 4) filtered, gamma-irradiated random-donner platelet concentrates (n = 11). Cytokine levels in platelet concentrates supernatants were measured by ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's recommendations. RESULTS: Our results showed that IL-8 was detected in unfiltered, nonirradiated, and gamma-irradiated random-donner platelet concentrates but not in the filtered random-donner platelet concentrates. TNF-alpha was only detected in unfiltered, nonirradiated units. Compared with unfiltered platelet concentrates, prestorage filtration prevented a rise in the IL-8 and TNF-alpha on day 3 of storage. The concentration of IL-1 beta was lower than the minimum concentration value of the kit used for this purpose. IL-6 was detected only in 7 units of all filtered platelet concentrates on day 3. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that gamma irradiation can not prevent generation of IL-8 in platelet concentrates during storage, but prestorage leukoreduction of platelet concentrates can prevent accumulation of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha during storage.