Abstract
In various diseases, the life-span of transfused red cells and the external organ counts were examined by Cr51 method.
1. The half survival time without the correction for Cr51 elution was normally 23-28 days, and relative radioactivity values were: liver or spleen/precordium, 0.8-1.0.
2. The diminished survival of patient's own and transfused red cells by extrinsic factors was seen in myeloid leukemia and malignant tumors, but after the removal of the tumors, the cells showed the normal survival. Some cases of aplastic anemia showed very rapid destruction of red cells accompanied by the Cr51 accumulation in the area of the spleen. Splenectomy can be mentioned in Banti's syndrome which showed the similar pattern.
3. After the provoked attack of paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria Cr51 accumulated in the area of the liver, but in a case of idiopathic hemolytic anemia it was noted in the area of the spleen, Therefore, it seems possible that the destroyed red cells are handled by the liver or spleen,
4. The spleen plays a very important role in the seriously shortened life-span of transfused red cells by anti-Rh antibodies in recipient's serum, however, in splenectomized case, the liver performs the same function.
5. The use of group O blood for transfusion to patients of groups/AB, A and B was followed by the temporary shortening of the life-span of recipient's red cells and the Cr51 accumulation in the areas of the spleen and liver. It is considered for some reasons that the diminished survival was caused by anti-A and B atypical antibodies.
6. The accelerated destruction of transfused red cells was also observed after massive blood transfusions, even though the compatible cross-matching was done correctly.
