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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
Microfluidic Flow Chambers Using Reconstituted Blood to Model Hemostasis and Platelet Transfusion In Vitro
Published on: March 19, 2016
Infusible platelet membrane microvesicles: a potential transfusion substitute for platelets
F C Chao1, B K Kim, A M Houranieh
1PRP, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Several substitutes for intact, viable platelets have been used for transfusion, both to people and in animal models, with varied success. Infusible platelet membrane (IPM) is prepared from human platelets. IPM retains the glycoprotein (GP)lb receptor and has platelet factor 3 activity (procoagulant activity). However, factor V, serotonin, a cytoplasmic marker enzyme (purine nucleotide phosphorylase), GPIIb/IIIa complex, and HLA class I and II antigens are all absent in IPM.
Study Design And Methods:
IPM is prepared from outdated platelets. The platelets were disrupted by freezing and thawing; they were washed and heated to inactivate possible viral contaminants, and then the sonicated membrane microvesicle fraction was separated and lyophilized. The hemostatic activity of IPM was measured by its ability to reduce the prolonged bleeding time in thrombocytopenic rabbits.
Results:
Administration of IPM at a dose of 2 mg per kg results in a substantial reduction in the bleeding time. In a series of 23 experiments, a median preinjection bleeding time of 15 minutes was reduced to 6 minutes within 4 hours after IPM administration. Administration of IPM did show a mild enhancement in the thrombogenicity index, as measured in the Wessler rabbit model. This enhancement is, however, not significant, as a thrombogenicity index value of up to 0.6 is clinically acceptable.
Conclusion:
IPM may have clinical potential as a substitute for platelets in the treatment of bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.
Insights
Infusible platelet membrane (IPM) effectively reduces bleeding time in thrombocytopenic rabbits. This platelet substitute shows potential for treating bleeding disorders, offering a promising alternative for patients with low platelet counts.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Platelet transfusions are used to treat bleeding, but substitutes are needed.
- Infusible platelet membrane (IPM) is derived from human platelets.
- IPM retains key receptors (GP lb) and procoagulant activity but lacks cellular components and antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of IPM.
- To assess IPM as a potential platelet substitute.
Main Methods:
- IPM prepared from outdated platelets via freeze-thaw, washing, heating, sonication, and lyophilization.
- Hemostatic activity assessed by measuring bleeding time reduction in thrombocytopenic rabbits.
- Thrombogenicity evaluated using the Wessler rabbit model.
Main Results:
- IPM administration (2 mg/kg) significantly reduced bleeding time in rabbits from a median of 15 to 6 minutes within 4 hours.
- A mild, clinically acceptable increase in thrombogenicity was observed.
Conclusions:
- IPM demonstrates significant hemostatic potential.
- IPM may serve as a viable alternative to platelet transfusions for managing thrombocytopenic bleeding.
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