K. Gutensohn et al., THE STORAGE LESION OF SINGLE-DONOR PLATELETS - INSIGHTS FROM FLOW CYTOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY, Infusionstherapie und Transfusionsmedizin, 24(6), 1997, pp. 412-418
Background: During storage, platelets undergo morphological and immuno
logical alterations. This study was performed to investigate the influ
ence of storage on platelet antigens by flow cytometry and on morpholo
gy by electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: Platelet concentrate
s (n=24 were prepared by continuous-flow centrifugation plateletpheres
is. Afterwards, they were stored in polyvinylchloride (PVC) containers
for 7 days. Aliquots were taken daily to examine platelet glycoprotei
ns CD41a, CD42b, CD62p, and CD63 by flow cytometry. Every second day,
aliquots were drawn for electron microscopic analyses. Results: During
storage, the expression of CD62p (P-selectin) and CD63 (gp53) progres
sively increased. Mean channel fluorescence intensity (MCFI) for CD62p
increased from day 1 to day 7 from 21.3 to 43.4 (p < 0.05), MCFI of C
D63 from 19.5 to 29.5 MCFI (p < 0.05). MCFI of CD41a decreased from 1,
165.2 to 1,119.0 and subsequently returned to baseline levels (p < 0.0
5). MCFI of CD42b continuously decreased from 301.6 to 279.7 from day
0 to 7 (p < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed pro
gressive platelet activation and destruction. Over the storage period
external and internal reorganization became clearly apparent. Conclusi
on: During storage of platelet concentrates, antigens and morphology o
f platelets are altered. Flow cytometry and TEM provide insights into
the storage lesion and are suitable techniques for quality control of
platelet concentrates and evaluation of biocompatibility. However, due
to the more objective, faster and more sensitive analysis, only now c
ytometry may also be suitable for routine applications in quality cont
rol.