VITAMIN E AND DERIVATIVES PREVENT DAMAGE IN RED CELLS STERILIZED BY PHTHALOCYANINES AND LIGHT

摘要

Disclosed is an improved process for irradiating cell-containing compositions, especially, red cell-containing compositions, wherein vitamin E or a derivative thereof is added to the cell-containing composition prior to, during or after such irradiation. Addition of vitamin E or a derivative thereof is protective of cells in such compositions, but not of virus. Cells irradiated using the inventive process show a reduced leakage of K<+> from cells and also a reduced loss of negative charges from the cell membrane compared to cells subjected to the similar process wherein vitamin E or a derivative thereof are not used. In addition, red blood cells sterilized by this process are better preserved during storage and their life-time in the circulation in vivo is greatly enhanced.