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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Turbidimetry on Human Washed Platelets: The Effect of the Pannexin1-inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF on Collagen-induced Aggregation
Published on: April 6, 2017
P-selectin mRNA is maintained in platelet concentrates stored at 4 degrees C
Gabriele Stiegler1, Gottfried Fischer, Gajalakshmi Ramanathan
1Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Background:
Platelets (PLTs) contain mRNA and synthesize proteins in response to activation. Most guidelines for PLT concentrates (PCs) recommend ambient temperature for storage but the impact of the storage temperature on PLT mRNA content has not yet been investigated.
Study Design And Methods:
Ten leukoreduced apheresis PCs were split and stored at 22 and 4 degrees C. P-selectin mRNA, its expression on PLTs, and its soluble form were quantified. In parallel, cellular (cell count, mean PLT volume), metabolic (pH, pO(2), pCO(2), HCO(3), glucose), and functional markers (swirling, hypotonic shock response, aggregation to collagen) were analyzed. Rotation thrombelastography was used to monitor the hemostatic potential of PLTs. All measurements were performed on Days 1 and 5 of storage.
Results:
After 5 days of storage at 4 degrees C, only 31 +/- 27 percent of P-selectin mRNA and 29 +/- 41 percent of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA were lost, while minute amounts of the mRNAs were detectable at 22 degrees C. In PCs stored at 4 degrees C the percentage of P-selectin-positive PLTs was significantly higher when compared to PCs stored at 22 degrees C. Soluble P-selectin concentrations did not significantly differ between both storage temperatures. Thrombelastography revealed significantly shorter reaction times in PLTs kept at 4 degrees C.
Conclusion:
Our data indicate that storage at 4 degrees C is accompanied by maintained mRNA levels. PLTs with intact mRNA levels and short reaction times in thrombelastography might be functionally superior to PLTs that are devoid of mRNA and show less augmented P-selectin surface expression. In therapeutic applications, that is, if PLTs are transfused to control acute bleeding, PLTs kept at 4 degrees C may be advantageous.
Insights
Storing platelet concentrates (PCs) at 4 degrees C preserves platelet mRNA levels and enhances function. This cold storage may offer advantages for therapeutic transfusions to control bleeding compared to ambient temperature storage.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Platelets (PLTs) possess mRNA and protein synthesis capabilities.
- Current guidelines recommend ambient temperature storage for platelet concentrates (PCs).
- The effect of storage temperature on platelet mRNA has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of storage temperature on platelet mRNA content.
- To compare cellular, metabolic, and functional markers of platelets stored at 4°C versus 22°C.
Main Methods:
- Apheresis PCs were divided and stored at 4°C and 22°C for 5 days.
- Quantified P-selectin mRNA, P-selectin expression, and soluble P-selectin.
- Assessed cellular, metabolic, and functional parameters, including rotation thrombelastography.
Main Results:
- Storage at 4°C significantly maintained mRNA levels (P-selectin and GAPDH) compared to 22°C.
- Higher P-selectin-positive PLTs and shorter reaction times were observed at 4°C.
- No significant difference in soluble P-selectin concentrations between storage conditions.
Conclusions:
- Storage at 4°C preserves platelet mRNA levels and may enhance functional capacity.
- Platelets stored at 4°C demonstrate superior characteristics, including intact mRNA and improved hemostatic potential.
- Cold storage of PCs at 4°C could be advantageous for therapeutic transfusion applications, particularly for managing acute bleeding.
