Exposure of Stored Packed Erythrocytes to Nitric Oxide Prevents Transfusion-associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

NO treatment of stored packed erythrocytes before transfusion oxidizes cell-free oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin, prevents subsequent NO scavenging in the pulmonary vasculature, and limits pulmonary hypertension. NO treatment increases erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte survival after transfusion. NO treatment might provide a promising therapeutic approach to prevent pulmonary hypertension and extend erythrocyte survival.