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Platelet Survival in Healthy Volunteers After Storage with N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine
I Bergmann1, G Endert, H Hentschel
1Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Medical School of Erfurt.
Abstract:
The sulphhydryl group containing drug N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) was tested as a cytoprotective substance for storage of human platelets for transfusion. Autologous platelets stored for 48 h at 21 ± 1°C in the absence (control-platelets) or in the presence (MPG-platelets) of MPG, respectively, were labelled with Indium-III oxine and retransfused into the healthy donors. Significantly higher survival and a higher spleen/liver-ratio were obtained using stored MPG-platelets compared to stored control-platelets. Additionally, a very strong correlation was found between the percentage of discocytes counted after incubation of stored platelets in fresh plasma in vitro and the survival of stored platelets after retransfusion in vivo.
Insights
N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) improves human platelet storage for transfusion. MPG-treated platelets showed significantly higher survival and better spleen/liver ratios after reinfusion compared to untreated controls.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet storage for transfusion is limited by cell viability.
- Cytoprotective agents are needed to improve platelet preservation.
- N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) is a sulfhydryl-containing compound with potential cytoprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MPG as a cytoprotective agent for human platelet storage.
- To assess the impact of MPG on platelet survival and organ distribution after transfusion.
Main Methods:
- Human platelets were stored for 48 hours at 21°C with or without MPG.
- Autologous platelets were labeled with Indium-111 oxine and reinfused into healthy donors.
- Platelet survival and spleen/liver ratios were determined post-transfusion.
Main Results:
- MPG-treated platelets exhibited significantly higher survival rates compared to control platelets.
- A higher spleen/liver ratio was observed for stored MPG-platelets, indicating improved organ distribution.
- A strong correlation existed between in vitro discocyte counts and in vivo platelet survival.
Conclusions:
- MPG demonstrates significant cytoprotective effects on human platelets during storage.
- MPG treatment enhances platelet viability and post-transfusion recovery.
- MPG is a promising agent for improving platelet transfusion efficacy.

