[Consequences for labile blood products of leukocyte depletion by whole blood filtration using the Leucoflex LST1 in-line filter. Evaluation of the Leucoflex LST1 filter]. / Conséquences sur les PSL de la déleucocytation par filtration du sang total avec le filtre intégré Leucoflex LST1. Evaluation du filtre Leucoflex LST1.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of whole blood filtration after a storage time of 20-24 hours at laboratory temperature using the in line filter Leucoflex LST1. The study concerns 49 blood donations in which we studied leukocyte depletion, proteins (IgG, IgA, IgM, haptoglobin, C3, C4), coagulation factors (fibrinogen, factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, V, proteins S and C, plasminogen, tPA, D-Dimers, PDF) at day 1, the parameters of conservation (ATP, 2-3 DPG, extra cellular potassium, haemolysis, pH) of red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) and bacteriological sterility at day 1 and 42. Despite a correct leukocyte depletion (mean depletion of 3.96 log), a 10 fold higher mean level of residual leukocytes/unit than with buffy coat poor RCC filtration (0.514.10(6) vs 0.051.10(6)) is observed. Moreover a lot of concentrates are not in accordance with French regulations (7/42 with more than 1.10(6) leukocytes/unit). The variation of the rates of IgG, IgA, IgM, haptoglobin, C4 and protein C is not significant. For the others there is a slight decrease with a mean level remaining in a physiological range. No sign of activation is noted. The sterility assays remain negative and the RCC conservation is not altered. In conclusion, even if the quality of the leukocyte depletion is not satisfactory in our study and has to be stated more precisely by multicenter studies, the whole blood filtration does not alter the quality of the derived components and allows us obtain RCC in a bigger volume and containing more haemoglobin than with the classical procedure after removing the buffy-coat [10].

[Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in chronic inflammatory rheumatism and mechanical arthropathies. Preliminary results]. / Le déficit en alpha-1-antitrypsine dans les rhumatismes inflammatories chroniques et les arthropathies mécaniques. Résultats préliminaires.

Alpha-1-antitrypsine (AAT) plasmatic level is higher (p less than 0.01) in 85 chronic inflammatory arthropathies than in 238 non inflammatory arthropathies (2.5+/0.7 versus 2.1+/0.4 g/l). Among 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with evaluated phenotype, alleles M2 are less frequent and M3 more frequent than in 22 non inflammatory arthropathies (p less than 0.02). Some abnormal phenotype are observed: M2Z (AAT = 1.7) without pulmonary involvement (1 RA); M3S in 2 seronegative spondylarthropathies (1 pulmonary involvement without tobacco intoxication: DLCO/VA: 69% of theoric value; AAT = 1.4); ZZ in a systemic lupus erythematosus with panlobular emphysema and hepatic cirrhosis (AAT = 0.4). An AAT deficiency could explain some pulmonary involvements in chronic inflammatory arthropathies.

Diverse biological parameters in clinically healthy sheep from a flock with scrapie: variations, and correlations with OLA antigens.

A comparison was made in the blood levels of various cell types and biochemical substances and in lymphocyte antigens between 107 healthy sheep from a flock contaminated with scrapie (HC sheep) and 93 sheep from a noncontaminated flock (NC sheep), which served as a control population. Significant differences between the two groups of sheep were found in some of the levels, as had previously been found with lymphocyte antigens. The HC sheep, which included genetically resistant animals, could be distinguished from the NC sheep by their lower levels of various white cells, a noticeable decrease in urea, a moderate decrease in Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions, beta- and gamma-globulins, serotonin and vitamin B12, a strong increase in uric acid and a moderate increase in K+, Cl-, HCO3-, Zn2+, and Al3+ ions, as well as in total lipids and in the albumin to globulin ratio. In this HC population, the only enzyme with an increased level was aldolase; the levels of the other 7 enzymes measured were lowered. The observed modifications were considered to be signs of latent disturbances in the leukocyte system and in hepatic and renal functions, in spite of apparent resistance. Eleven lymphocyte antigens were studied. These antigens are not independent of the blood levels of the various substances measured, but are often correlated in a statistically significant manner with some of them. In the HC sheep, the lymphocyte antigens correlated with the modified levels in the blood were different from those in the control population.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)