Effects of Leukoreduction and Storage on Erythrocyte Phosphatidylserine Expression and Eicosanoid Concentrations in Units of Canine Packed Red Blood Cells

Background Storage of canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs) can increase erythrocyte phosphatidylserine (PS) expression and eicosanoid concentrations. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine the effects of leukoreduction on erythrocyte PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations in stored units of canine pRBCs. Our hypothesis was that leukoreduction would decrease PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations. Animals Eight healthy dogs. Methods In a cross‐over study, units of whole blood were leukoreduced (LR) or non‐LR and stored (10 and 21 days) as pRBCs. Samples were collected at donation, and before and after a simulated transfusion. PS expression was measured by flow cytometry, and concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α (6‐keto‐PGF1α), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results There was no change in PS expression during leukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion for non‐LR and LR units. Immediately after leukoreduction, there was a significant increase in TXB2 and PGF2α concentrations, but during storage, these eicosanoids decreased to non‐LR concentrations. In both LR and non‐LR units, 6‐keto‐PGF1α concentrations increased during storage and simulated transfusion, but there was no difference between unit type. There was no difference in AA, LTB4, PGE2, and PGD2 concentrations between unit types. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Leukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion do not alter erythrocyte PS expression. Leukoreduction causes an immediate increase in concentrations of TXB2 and PGF2α, but concentrations decrease to non‐LR concentrations with storage. Leukoreduction does not decrease the accumulation of 6‐keto‐PGF1α during storage.