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Electrokinetic properties of human cryopreserved platelets
E A Bateson1, M A Crook, B Brozovic
1North London Blood Transfusion Centre, Colindale, London, U.K.
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cryopreservation of human platelets using glycerol/glucose alters platelet surface properties. This method affects platelet morphology and reduces key glycoproteins, impacting their electrokinetic behavior.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Hematology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Human platelet cryopreservation is crucial for transfusion medicine.
- Previous methods have limitations in preserving platelet function and integrity.
- Understanding cryoinjury mechanisms is essential for improving preservation techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cryopreservation on human platelet surface membrane properties.
- To analyze changes in electrokinetic properties, sialic acid content, and glycoprotein expression.
- To correlate morphological changes with functional alterations after cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Cryopreservation of human platelets using a modified glycerol/glucose method.
- Measurement of platelet electrophoretic mobility to assess surface charge.
- Quantification of total and neuraminidase-labile sialic acid.
- Analysis of platelet glycoprotein Gp Ib using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and crossed immunoelectrophoresis.
- Evaluation of platelet morphology via electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Cryopreserved platelets exhibited significantly increased electrophoretic mobility (P < 0.05).
- Total and neuraminidase-labile sialic acid levels were significantly reduced post-cryopreservation (P < 0.001).
- A reduction in platelet glycoprotein Gp Ib was observed, along with significant morphological changes including membrane disruption and shape alteration.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation significantly alters human platelet surface electrokinetic properties.
- The observed changes are likely due to alterations in sialic acid content and glycoprotein Gp Ib expression.
- Morphological damage, including membrane disruption, contributes to the altered platelet characteristics after cryopreservation.
