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Supernates from stored red blood cells inhibit platelet aggregation
Frederick A Matheu1, Steve J McFaul
1Division of Military Casualty Research, Department of Blood Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA.
Transfusion
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Supernatants from non-leukoreduced (NLR) red blood cells (RBCs) impair platelet aggregation by reducing glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa expression. Leukoreduction prevents this effect, preserving platelet function during RBC storage.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Stored red blood cells (RBCs) in AS-5 accumulate substances that affect platelet (PLT) function.
- Non-leukoreduced (NLR) RBC supernates decrease anti-CD41a-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorescence, indicating reduced glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa expression on PLTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if stored RBC supernates impair PLT aggregation due to decreased GPIIb/IIIa expression.
- To investigate the role of leukoreduction in preventing these effects.
Main Methods:
- Leukoreduced (LR) and NLR RBC units were stored for 6 weeks at 1-6°C.
- RBC supernates were incubated with fresh blood, and PLTs were analyzed for GPIIb/IIIa expression (flow cytometry) and aggregation response to collagen (whole blood aggregometry).
Main Results:
- NLR RBC supernates reduced PLT CD41a-FITC fluorescence by 15-31%, with effects increasing with storage duration.
- Supernates from Day 42 NLR RBCs decreased PLT aggregation amplitude by 31% and increased lag time by 21%.
- Prestorage LR RBC supernates did not affect PLT fluorescence or aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Substances accumulating in NLR RBCs decrease GPIIb/IIIa expression and inhibit PLT aggregation.
- Leukoreduction effectively prevents the accumulation of these inhibitory substances during RBC storage.
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