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Abstract: The metabolic conversion of glucose to energy and reducing power by platelets is examined. Although platelets concurrently metabolize glucose aerobically and anaerobically, the balance between the cytosolic and mitochondrial pathways is affected not only by physiological activation but also by conditions prevailing during in vitro storage. The development of platelet additive solutions and pathogen reduction technologies point to increased glucose metabolism and consequent high levels of lactate production as the effect of platelet damage, rather than the cause. Consequently a different perspective of the data suggests that reduction rather than support of platelet metabolism in vitro would result in a better quality of stored platelets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Preserving cell viability and function is an essential component in the translation and delivery of existing and emerging cell-based therapeutics from the research lab to the patient bedside. This workshop provided a summary of the advances and challenges that currently face the preservation sciences, together with a glimpse at the future applications and instrumentation that will enhance our ability to process, preserve, and store red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, and stem cells. It is clear from the presentations made during the workshop and the discussions that ensued after that, for us to overcome the challenges that face blood biopreservation, it will require a concerted effort from clinicians, scientists, and engineers from a variety of disciplines. Through this interdisciplinary research effort, significant progress will be made to improve the safety, quality, and potency of the blood products that are used in reparative medicine. As the need for effective preservation technologies will be the motivation for more concerted efforts in the biopreservation sciences, there are encouraging prospects for the future applications of biopreserved blood cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following treatment of Lewis lung carcinomas (LLC) by Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), tumor tissues and sera of host mice were collected for the analysis of complement activity. Elevated tumor C3 levels were detected between 1 and 24h after PDT, while serum C3 levels increased significantly at 24h post therapy. Increased alternative complement pathway activity in the serum was evident between 1 and 3 days post PDT. Blocking C3a- or C5a-receptors in the host mice decreased the efficacy of PDT in producing LLC tumor cures, supporting the importance of complement action in PDT-mediated tumor destruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]