[In vitro study of platelet concentrate preparations from whole blood using N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine]

The sulfhydryl group containing drug N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) which inhibits platelet aggregation in a reversible manner permits to prepare platelet concentrates in non-siliconized glass containers at pH 7.4. Resuspension of platelets is possible immediately after centrifugation. In vitro platelets tests were carried out after washing out the MPG in MPG-free plasma. Thereafter, no inhibitory effects on platelet functions were found. Platelets concentrated in presence of MPG were significantly better with respect to yield, maintenance of discoid shape, aggregability, and hypotonic shock response compared with control platelets concentrated in absence of MPG.