Periods without agitation diminish platelet mitochondrial function during storage.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Platelet (PLT) storage lesions develop due to prolonged periods without agitation, impairing in vitro assay parameters and increasing apoptotic markers.
• Understanding the impact of storage conditions on platelet quality is crucial for transfusion safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how periods without agitation affect platelet mitochondrial function, blood gases, and activation.
• To determine the correlation between storage duration without agitation and platelet apoptosis markers.

Main Methods:

• Apheresis platelet units were divided into five storage bags, with four stored without agitation for varying durations (24-96 hours) at room temperature and one continuously agitated.
• Platelets were analyzed for standard in vitro assays, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species, Annexin V binding, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial reduction power (MRP).

Main Results:

• Increasing periods without agitation led to higher superoxide anion generation, increased platelet activation, and reduced MMP and MRP.
• Annexin V binding increased with longer non-agitated storage periods, indicating enhanced apoptosis.
• Non-agitated platelets showed elevated oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, with superoxide generation correlating strongly with MMP loss, Annexin V binding, and pH decline.

Conclusions:

• Storing platelets without agitation induces a storage lesion that promotes platelet apoptosis, with severity escalating with the duration of non-agitation.
• Prolonged non-agitated storage results in superoxide formation, MMP depolarization, and the emergence of apoptotic markers.
• Continuous agitation is essential to maintain platelet viability and function during storage.