Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
10:25
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.
Transfusion
|June 1, 1996
Summary
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- IPM prepared from outdated platelets via freeze-thaw, washing, heating, sonication, and lyophilization.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.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...