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Ultrastructural changes and activation differences in platelet concentrates stored in plasma and additive solution
Thomas Wagner1, Angelika Vetter, Natascha Dimovic
1Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Graz, Austria.
Transfusion
|July 31, 2002
Summary
Platelets stored in plasma show less activation and shape change compared to those in PAS2 storage solution. Plasma preserves platelet integrity better than PAS2, indicating plasma is a superior storage medium.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Platelet storage media significantly impact platelet viability and activation.
- Understanding ultrastructural changes is crucial for optimizing platelet storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate platelet ultrastructural morphology with cell surface activation markers.
- To compare platelet storage in plasma versus a platelet additive solution (PAS2).
Main Methods:
- Platelet concentrates were stored in either plasma or PAS2.
- Flow cytometry measured activation markers (CD62P, CD63) and thrombospondin binding.
- Electron microscopy assessed ultrastructural morphology and shape changes (form factor).
- Cytokine levels (VEGF, RANTES) in storage media were quantified.
Main Results:
- PAS2 storage led to significantly higher expression of CD62P, CD63, and thrombospondin binding compared to plasma.
- Platelet shape changes (form factor) correlated significantly with increased CD62P, CD63, and thrombospondin binding.
- Elevated levels of VEGF and RANTES were observed in the PAS2 storage medium.
Conclusions:
- Platelets stored in plasma exhibit greater stability and less activation than those stored in PAS2.
- Plasma is a more suitable storage medium for maintaining platelet integrity and function.
- Handling procedures contribute to baseline activation, but storage medium plays a critical role in subsequent changes.