[Sialic acid level in blood platelets after cryopreservation with DMSO]

Plasma platelet concentrates of man were subjected to preparatory procedures with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent. It was demonstrated that DMSO acting directly on the platelets in concentrations used in routine preparation had no effect decreasing the level of sialic acids in the platelets. Cryopreservation of platelets in presence of DMSO caused the loss of 30% of the sialic acids from the platelets. Further storage at room temperature of defrosted platelet concentrates caused no further decrease of sialic acid level in these cells. ++Cryopreservation decreased also the aggregation ability of the platelets after induction with ADP but simultaneous action of ADP and succinate increased the aggregation of ++cryopreserved platelets.