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Histamine synthesis by white cells during storage of platelet concentrates
L Muylle1, J F Beert, G Mertens
1Blood Transfusion Center Antwerp, The Belgian Red Cross, Edegem, Belgium.
Insights
Histamine is not synthesized during platelet concentrate storage, unlike interleukin-6 (IL-6). Disodium cromoglycate did not affect histamine levels, indicating no active histamine synthesis in stored platelets.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet concentrates are stored for therapeutic use.
- Cytokines like IL-6 are known to be synthesized during storage.
- The synthesis of histamine in stored platelets remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if histamine is actively synthesized during platelet concentrate storage.
- To compare histamine synthesis with interleukin-6 (IL-6) production.
- To investigate the effect of disodium cromoglycate on histamine levels.
Main Methods:
- Conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates were prepared and stored at 22°C.
- Disodium cromoglycate or saline (control) was added to the concentrates.
- Samples were analyzed for histamine and IL-6 levels at various storage intervals.
Main Results:
- Plasma histamine levels significantly increased during 5-day storage.
- Total histamine content within platelet concentrates remained unchanged.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) content increased rapidly during storage.
Conclusions:
- Histamine is not actively synthesized during platelet concentrate storage.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is actively synthesized during storage.
- Disodium cromoglycate did not influence histamine release or content, suggesting it does not inhibit platelet-associated histamine synthesis.
Objectives:
To resolve the question whether histamine, like some cytokines, is actively synthesized during storage of platelet concentrates.
Methods:
We prepared conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates and stored them in the usual way at 22 degrees C. Disodium cromoglycate was added to one series, saline to the controls. Samples were taken at intervals, to be tested for histamine and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Results:
The plasma histamine level increased from a median of 1.02 ng/ml (range 0.11-3.27) to 12.9 ng/ml (range 4.30-32.9) whereas the total histamine content of the platelet concentrates remained unchanged during the 5-day storage period. In contrast, the total content of IL-6 increased rapidly.
Conclusion:
Histamine is not synthesized during storage of platelets, whereas IL-6 is. The addition of disodium cromoglycate, a substance that inhibits granulocyte activation, had no effect on the release of histamine or on the total histamine content at various storage times.