The pH optima for papain and bromelain treatment of red cells

Vox Sang. 1987;52(3):223-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.1987.tb03032.x.

Abstract

The action of papain and bromelain, prepared over a pH range from 4.6 to 8.6, was evaluated for the ability to render red cells agglutinable by five incomplete antibodies of differing blood group specificities using a two-stage technique. The optimal pH for treatment of red cells by activated papain or bromelain was between 5.4 and 5.8. Above this pH range, a fall in serological sensitivity was apparent which was much more pronounced with papain than with bromelain. The optimal pH for enzyme treatment of red cells can be achieved in two-stage techniques, but not in one-stage techniques due to the buffering effect of serum proteins.

MeSH terms

  • Agglutination / drug effects*
  • Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / methods
  • Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / standards
  • Bromelains / pharmacology*
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
  • Papain / pharmacology*
  • Serology / methods
  • Serology / standards

Substances

  • Bromelains
  • Papain