Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2025
A Simple Double Centrifugation Tube Method to Obtain Platelet-rich Plasma from Equine Blood
Published on: August 15, 2025
Evaluation of a Standardized Protocol for Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Obtention in Cats: A Prospective Study
Laura Miguel-Pastor1, Katy Satué1, Deborah Chicharro1
1Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
Insights
This study demonstrates that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can be effectively produced in cats using the PRGF®-Endoret® system. The optimal protocol yielded a 1.5-fold increase in platelet concentration with minimal red and white blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product with a platelet concentration higher than whole blood (WB).
- Platelets contain crucial growth factors (GFs) that are vital for tissue repair and regeneration.
- Understanding PRP preparation in feline species is essential for its potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare platelet (PLT), red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell (WBC) concentrations in feline whole blood (WB), PRP, and platelet-poor plasma (PPP).
- To analyze the concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in feline PRP and PPP.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the PRGF®-Endoret® technology for obtaining feline PRP.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood samples were collected from 30 healthy adult cats.
- PRP and PPP were obtained using the PRGF®-Endoret® technology with three different centrifugation protocols (255 g, 260 g, 265 g for 10 min).
- Cellular components (PLT, RBC, WBC) and growth factor concentrations (PDGF-BB, TGF-β1) were quantified in all sample types.
Main Results:
- PRP demonstrated significantly higher PLT concentrations compared to WB, with a 1.5-fold increase at 265 g.
- RBC and WBC counts were reduced by over 99% and 95% in PRP and PPP, respectively, compared to WB.
- PDGF-BB concentrations were significantly higher in PRP than in PPP, while TGF-β1 concentrations showed no significant differences between fractions at 260 g.
Conclusions:
- The PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable for producing feline PRP with enhanced platelet yields and reduced contaminating cells.
- The protocol using 265 g for 10 min is effective for obtaining feline PRP with a 1.5-fold platelet increase and minimal erythrocytes and leukocytes.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical efficacy of feline PRP in treating various pathologies.
Introduction:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous plasma with platelet (PLT) concentration above that of whole blood (WB). PLTs contain growth factors (GFs) that promote tissular repair.
Objectives:
To determine and compare the concentrations of PLT, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) between WB samples, PRP and platelet poor plasma (PPP) samples; and to analyze the concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the PRP and PPP of healthy adult cats using a standardized protocol with PRGF®-Endoret® characteristics.
Material And Methods:
WB was collected from 30 cats. PRP was obtained following three centrifugation protocols using PRGF®-Endoret® technology: 255, 260, and 265 g for 10 min each. The cellular components, RBC, WBC, PLT, and the concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 in the PRP and PPP fractions were determined for each protocol.
Results:
PLTs in the PRP fraction were statistically higher than WB, with no statistical differences between PPP and WB. In PRP fraction, PLT concentration was increased 1.4 times on average at 255 g; 1.3 times at 260 g and, 1.5 times at 265 g without statistical differences among them. The mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly higher in WB compared to PRP and PPP fractions without significant differences between protocols. Compared to WB, the number of RBCs and WBCs was reduced by 99% and by more than 95% in PRP and PPP respectively, without significant differences between protocols. PDGF-BB concentrations were statistically higher in PRP than in PPP fractions, however, TGF-ß1 concentrations did not vary between fractions at 260 g. Comparing the three protocols within PRP and PPP fractions, no differences in PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 concentrations were observed.
Clinical Relevance:
The study shows scientific evidence regarding the obtention of PRP in cats using the PRGF®-Endoret® technology for the quantification of PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1. At 265 g for 10 min, PLT concentration was increased 1.5 times with unnoticeable erythrocytes and leukocytes in the samples. These results clearly show that the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable to obtain PRP in cats. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the obtained PGRF in the treatment of different pathologies in cats.
