The effect of air exposure on leucocyte and cytokine activation in an in-vitro model of cardiotomy suction.

This study investigates CD11b levels in response to an air stimulus in blood that was anticoagulated with citrate or heparin. Exposure to an air stimulus activates leucocytes. Activation of CD11b was less when using heparin as an anticoagulant compared to citrate. Cytokine activation occurs with air stimulation, but levels do not immediately rise, indicating that time is required to generate free cytokines.