Cytoplasmic calcium levels and membrane fluidity of platelets in contact with polyether-polyamide...

Cytoplasmic calcium levels and the membrane fluidity of rabbit platelets stored in mini blood bags of crystalline-amorphous microstructured polymers (polyether-polyamide multiblock-copolymers) were studied. Fluorescent dye (Fura 2 or 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene)-loaded platelet suspensions were stored at 37 degrees C for 1 h in the blood bags, and metabolic changes in the platelets during storage were evaluated by the fluorescent spectroscopic technique. The surfaces of poly(vinyl chloride) and polyolefin elastomers, which are used for commercially available blood bags, enhanced the progress of platelet metabolism; i.e., there was a dramatic decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, the decrease in membrane fluidity was observed prior to the increase in [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the decrease in membrane fluidity of platelets in contact with polymer surfaces can be the dominant stage in the activation of these platelets. In contrast, the surfaces of polyether-polyamide multiblock-copolymers exhibited few changes in either membrane fluidity or [Ca2+]i levels. These results suggest that the platelets in contact with the crystalline-amorphous microstructured copolymer surfaces can be inert and inactivated in terms of the prevention of a decrease in membrane fluidity.