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Updated: May 6, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
The effect of platelet-derived microparticles in stored apheresis platelet concentrates on polymorphonuclear
Background And Objectives:
Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and other proinflammatory mediators, which are accumulated during the storage process, might induce transfusion adverse events. We hypothesized that the PMP primed polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) respiratory burst after the transfusion, which could be linked to the transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).
Materials And Methods:
The PMPs were isolated by centrifugation of the platelet-free plasma from 10 apheresis platelet concentrates (A-PLTs) at 20,000×g for 1 h. The PMPs were counted by flow cytometric analysis, followed by Western blotting, that were performed on isolated PMPs. The soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L, sCD154) was assayed with ELISA. The priming of the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-activated PMN respiratory burst was measured with the hydrogen peroxide production.
Results:
The PMP counts increased by 1·7-folds after 3 days of storage. Meanwhile, sCD40L also significantly increased in PMP fraction isolated from the 3-day stored A-PLTs. Furthermore, Western blotting indicated that sCD40L was involved and concentrated in PMP. The PMPs were able to effectively prime the fMLP-activated PMN respiratory burst, which was partly inhibited by CD154 monoclonal antibody or by filtration with 0·1 μM membrane. Significant relativity was existed between the PMP counts, sCD40L and priming activity during the A-PLT storage.
Conclusion:
The platelet-derived microparticles, which carried the sCD40L, accumulated in the apheresis platelet concentrates during the 5 days of storage. They primed the fMLP-activated PMN respiration burst, which might be relative to TRALI.
Insights
Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) carrying sCD40L accumulate in stored platelet concentrates. These PMPs prime neutrophil respiratory bursts, potentially contributing to transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and inflammatory mediators accumulate during platelet concentrate storage.
- These accumulated substances may trigger adverse transfusion events.
- Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a potential complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PMPs in priming polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) respiratory burst.
- To determine if PMP-primed PMN activity is linked to TRALI.
- To analyze the accumulation of PMPs and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) during apheresis platelet concentrate (A-PLT) storage.
Main Methods:
- PMPs were isolated from A-PLTs via centrifugation.
- PMP counts were determined by flow cytometry.
- Western blotting and ELISA were used to detect sCD40L within PMPs.
- PMN respiratory burst activity was measured by hydrogen peroxide production.
Main Results:
- PMP counts increased significantly with storage duration (1.7-fold by day 3).
- sCD40L levels increased in PMP fractions from stored A-PLTs.
- PMPs effectively primed fMLP-activated PMN respiratory burst.
- This priming activity was partially inhibited by anti-CD154 antibody and filtration.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-derived microparticles carrying sCD40L accumulate in A-PLTs during storage.
- These PMPs prime the PMN respiratory burst.
- This PMP-mediated priming may be a contributing factor to TRALI.
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