Abstract
Using rabbits as experimental animals the authors observed the influence of blood transfusion on the life span of red cells by varying the amount of blood given or withdrawn. The final stage of red cell kinetics was also investigated, and the following results were obtained.
In the group of animals receiving only simple transfusions no remarkable shortening in the life span of red cells was observed as compared with the controls, although there is a tendency to be shortened when the amount transfused is great. In exchange transfusion the life span is remarkably shortened, the greater the amount so given, the shorter the span becomes. In small transfusions, no effects are noted. The destruction of red cells is gradually accelerated up to 10-15 days, thereafter becoming less marked. Thus, it may be concluded that the life span of transfused red cells is reduced in the body when the amount of blood transfused is excessive.
