Platelet apoptosis in stored platelet concentrates and other models

Apoptosis or programmed cell death was discovered in nucleate cells 30 years ago and has been well documented. In contrast, apoptosis in anucleate platelets has only a five-year research history and as yet but few publications related to it. In this review, we will present the data on platelet apoptosis in several models. These include in vitro models where platelet apoptosis was induced by calcium ionophores, natural platelet agonists, storage in capped tubes at 37 degrees C and storage at room temperature under standard blood banking conditions, and in vivo models where apoptosis was provoked by suppression of thrombopoiesis, malaria infection and injection of tumor necrosis factor or anti-platelet antibodies. Understanding of platelet apoptosis and its role in the platelet storage lesion is an exciting challenge; future research is likely to provide us with further insight into this field.