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Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets
Published on: November 29, 2024
Microparticle and mitochondrial release during extended storage of different types of platelet concentrates
Geneviève Marcoux1,2, Anne-Claire Duchez1, Matthieu Rousseau1
1a Centre de Recherche en Rhumatologie et Immunologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec , Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval , Québec , QC , Canada.
Abstract:
On activation, platelets release vesicles called microparticles (MPs). MPs are heterogeneous with regard to the presence or absence of mitochondria. We quantified MPs in platelet concentrates (PCs) taking their mitochondrial content into account. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), buffy coat (BC) and apheresis (AP) PCs were tested through 7 days of storage. A combination of flow cytometry and spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) was used to determine MP and mitochondrial release during storage. All the PC biochemical parameters complied with transfusion standards at all times. Platelet activation markers increased during storage and were higher for PRP than other types of PCs. Concentrations of MPs and extracellular mitochondria interpreted by SPADE algorithm were significantly higher in PRP than other in PCs and were stable throughout storage. The mode of preparation, rather than storage duration, impacts the release of MPs and mitochondria in PCs.
Insights
Platelet concentrates (PCs) release microparticles (MPs) and extracellular mitochondria. Preparation method, not storage time, significantly impacts MP and mitochondrial release in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) PCs.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Platelets release microparticles (MPs) upon activation, which can be heterogeneous regarding mitochondrial content.
- Understanding MP and extracellular mitochondrial release is crucial for assessing platelet concentrate (PC) quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microparticles (MPs) and extracellular mitochondria in different types of platelet concentrates (PCs).
- To investigate the impact of preparation method and storage duration on MP and mitochondrial release.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) were employed.
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), buffy coat (BC), and apheresis (AP) were analyzed over 7 days of storage.
Main Results:
- Platelet activation markers increased during storage, being highest in PRP PCs.
- Microparticle (MP) and extracellular mitochondrial concentrations were significantly higher in PRP PCs compared to BC and AP PCs.
- MP and mitochondrial levels remained stable throughout the 7-day storage period in PRP PCs.
Conclusions:
- The preparation method of platelet concentrates (PCs) is a more significant factor than storage duration in influencing the release of microparticles (MPs) and extracellular mitochondria.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation results in higher levels of MPs and extracellular mitochondria.

