Generation of platelet-derived microparticles during storage in two different storage media

Background and ObjectivesActivated platelets release microparticles (MPs) in vivo or in the platelet concentrate (PC) product in response to some stimulators. This study compared the two different storage media of plasma and Composol for PC regarding the extent of MPs formation as a new index for comparing platelet stability. Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 30 PC units were prepared. The platelets were divided into two equal portions. Plasma was replaced with the additive solution of Composol in one of the portions. Sampling was carried out at the days 2, 4 and 7 after storage. Afterwards, the MPs were separated and their concentrations were collected using Bradford method. T-tests was used to compare the results of this experiment. ResultsThe results showed that the amounts of MPs increased during the storage. In each media of plasma or Composol, the concentration of MPs showed a significant difference between the days 4 and 7 of the storage. Besides, the final concentration of MPs did not show a significant difference between the two media at the day 4 of the storage whereas this difference was significant at the day 7 of storage (p<0.05). ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in the quantity of MPs in PCs stored in plasma or Composol up to the day 4 of the storage. This difference became significant after 7 days of the storage, in which the generation of MPs showed significant increase in plasma than Composol. These observations revealed an advantage for Composol as a PC storage medium.