Gradient centrifugation to isolate platelets for determination of trace elements by neutron-activation analysis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Accurate quantification of trace elements in human platelets is crucial for understanding their physiological roles and potential involvement in disease.
• Traditional methods for platelet isolation can lead to contamination from plasma and erythrocytes, affecting trace element analysis.
• Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) is a sensitive technique for trace element determination but requires highly pure samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Nycodenz density-gradient centrifugation for isolating highly pure platelet samples.
• To determine the concentrations of essential trace elements (Selenium, Zinc, Rubidium, Cesium) in human platelets using INAA.
• To assess the reproducibility of trace element analysis in platelets isolated by this method.

Main Methods:

• Platelet isolation via Nycodenz density-gradient centrifugation.
• Trace element analysis using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA).
• Sample collection from 10 healthy young women on two separate occasions, three weeks apart.

Main Results:

• Nycodenz separation yielded platelet samples virtually free from plasma and erythrocytes.
• Trace element contributions from Nycodenz were found to be insignificant for the elements analyzed.
• Reproducible measurements of Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Rubidium (Rb), and Cesium (Cs) concentrations in platelets were achieved.

Conclusions:

• Nycodenz density-gradient separation is a valuable and reproducible method for obtaining pure platelet samples for trace element analysis.
• The established method allows for reliable quantification of key trace elements in platelets.
• This technique supports further research into the role of platelet trace elements in health and disease.