[Influence of repeated platelet donation on megakaryopoiesis in donors]

To explore influence of platelet donation on donor's megakaryocytopoiesis, platelet counts and plasma concentrations of thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO) were determined in 42 frequent platelet donors (undergoing plateletpheresis more than once a month for 24 months and their mean platelet yield of collection was 2.5 x 10(11)), in 62 limited platelet donors (undergoing plateletpheresis less than once a month for 24 months) after a donation-free period of > 5 weeks and in 40 whole blood donors who never undergoing plateletpheresis after a donation-free period of > 6 months. The results showed that the TPO levels was significantly lower in frequent platelet donors than in limited platelet donors (P < 0.01) and whole blood donors (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between three groups in platelet counts, IL-3, IL-6 and NO. These findings suggest that the number of megakarocytes significantly increased in frequent platelet donors.