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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
06:04
LC-MS Analysis of Human Platelets as a Platform for Studying Mitochondrial Metabolism
Published on: April 4, 2016
L-carnitine decreases glycolysis in liquid-stored platelets
J D Sweeney1, A J Blair, T A Cheves
1Herbert C. Lichtmann Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Research Unit, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 01906, USA. jsweeney@lifespan.org
Transfusion
|December 2, 2000
Summary
L-carnitine (LC) may improve platelet storage quality beyond five days by preserving pH and reducing lactate. This additive did not promote bacterial growth, suggesting its utility in platelet preservation.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet storage lesion involves metabolic changes, including decreased pH and lactic acid generation.
- Storage also causes morphological changes, reduced function (HSR, ESC), increased P-selectin, and decreased in vivo recovery.
- Optimizing storage conditions could extend platelet viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on platelet storage quality.
- To determine optimal LC concentrations and storage conditions for platelet preservation.
Main Methods:
- Paired platelet concentrates were stored with or without L-carnitine (LC) at 20-24°C or 1-6°C for 5-10 days.
- Evaluated pH, glucose consumption, lactate generation, hypotonic shock response (HSR), extent of shape change (ESC), and P-selectin expression.
- Assessed bacterial growth with LC addition.
Main Results:
- LC (0.1-5 mM) at 20-24°C improved pH preservation, reduced glucose consumption, and lowered lactate generation.
- Differences in P-selectin and HSR were observed only after 5 days of storage.
- 5 mM LC appeared optimal, and it did not enhance bacterial growth.
Conclusions:
- L-carnitine at 5 mM may enhance platelet concentrate quality for storage beyond 5 days.
- LC does not appear to promote bacterial growth at this concentration.
- LC shows potential as a beneficial additive for platelet preservation.
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