The Effect of Leukocyte Transfusions on Experimental Bacteremia in the Dog

A system was developed in the irradiated dog for evaluating the effectiveness of fresh or irradiated homologous leukocyte infusions during the course of induced bacterial sepsis. Dogs with white cell counts below 1000/mm³ 4 or 5 days following 1200 r. whole body irradiation were challenged with an intravenous inoculum of E. coli. Untreated animals showed an initial period of bacterial clearance followed within 24 hours by the reappearance of bacteremia. Dogs given a single transfusion of homologous leukocytes following bacterial challenge had a significantly longer period of blood sterility and subsequent survival. Leukocytes irradiated with 1000 r. were effective in extending the period of blood sterility and in prolonging life. It was concluded that the irradiated leukopenic dog challenged with a bacterial inoculum provides a model for demonstrating the usefulness of homologous leukocyte infusions.