Through technological advances in granulocyte collection, it has become possible to collect neutrophils (PMNs) routinely in high concentration (greater than 5 X 10(7) PMN/ml) for transfusion. Previous studies in this laboratory suggested that storage of neutrophils for transfusion at high PMN concentrations resulted in impaired adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and hydrogen ion maintenance. The studies we report here were designed to assess the effect of PMN storage at concentrations which are usual (2 X 10(7) PMN/ml), intermediate (5 X 10(7) PMN/ml), and high (8 X 10(7) PMN/ml) on chemotactic responses, and to identify variables which are easily measured and might predict the chemotactic function of stored PMNs. Granulocyte concentrates were stored in plastic bags at 2,5, and 8 X 10(7) PMN per ml, with or without 15 mM bicarbonate (HCO3). The random migration (RM) chemotaxis (CTX), ATP, and relative cell size (VOL) of the fresh and stored cells and the pH, glucose, and lactate concentrations in the supernatant medium were measured in the freshly prepared units after 24 and 48 hours storage at room temperature. We found that RM, CTX, ATP, glucose, and pH decreased significantly (p less than .02) following storage for 24 and 48 hours, particularly in units stored at the higher cell concentrations. Cell volume and lactate increased significantly with storage for 24 and 48 hours, and these values were also greater in units stored at the higher cell concentration (p less than .02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)