HISTAMINE SYNTHESIS BY WHITE CELLS DURING STORAGE OF PLATELET CONCENTRATES

Objectives: To resolve the question whether histamine, like some cytok ines, is actively synthesized during storage of platelet concentrates. Methods: We prepared conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates an d 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). Resul ts: 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 his tamine content of the platelet concentrates remained unchanged during the 5-day storage period. In contrast, the total content of IL-6 incre ased 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 sto rage times.