In vitro kinetics of reticulocyte subtypes: maturation after red blood cell storage in additive solution-1 (AS-1)

Background: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells containing RNA remnants. Their population kinetics has been documented under various in vivo and in vitro conditions, including after storage of red blood cells in blood banks. The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of blood bank storage on the kinetics of reticulocyte disappearance by in vitro culturing. Method: Samples of reticulocyte-enriched fractions (Percoll density-gradient) were obtained over different storage times from six red blood cell units stored in additive solution-1 (AS-1). Reticulocyte fractions were then cultured in enriched media at 37 °C and analyzed by flow cytometry with thiazole orange taking into account hemolysis. Results: Density-gradient enriched reticulocyte fractions were obtain from standard red blood cell units with