AIMTo establish a simple and effective method for RBCs labeling and survival assays, and the qualities of rabbit RBCs preserved in GMA solution at 4 degrees C were verified.

METHODSThe bloods were taken through the ear arteries of the rabbits. The RBCs were labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and were reinjected to the same rabbit through ear veins. The percentage of FITC labeled RBCs was assayed by FACS at a series of times after injection. The SAS software was employed to analyze the data and establish the regression equations. The 24-hour recovery and the half-life span of the labeled RBCs were calculated according to the equations.

RESULTSThe 24-hour recovery and the half-life span of the labeled RBCs in the control group were 93.76% +/- 5.40% and 22.50% +/- 4.37 days respectively, which was in agreement with the previous papers. The 24-hour recovery and the half-life span of the labeled RBCs in the GMA group were 89.13% +/- 7.10% and 11.41% +/- 1.63 days respectively, which was coincident with the infusion conditions.

CONCLUSIONCompared with other methods of RBCs labeling in vivo, FITC labeling was thought to be easier and cheaper to use, which could facilitate the analysis of the biological character of the labeled cells, and could be used to trace the fate of labeled cells.