Extracorporeal plateletpheresis induces the interaction of activated platelets with white blood cells

Background and objectives: In this study we investigated whether platelet a ctivation during apheresis results in the binding of platelets to white blo od cells. Material and Methods: Analysis of platelet-leukocyte interaction was performed using multiparameter, three-color flow cytometry. Results: Ov er the duration of the procedure, there was an increase in the surface expr ession of CD62p (P-selectin) and CD63 (p<0.05), and also in the binding of platelets to monocytes (p<0.05), neutrophilic granulocytes (p<0.05) and to CD3+ cells (initially to a low degree; p<0.05). Platelet binding to CD19+ c ells did not change significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that platelets become activated during apheresis and that following this proces s, interaction with monocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes occurs. Copyrig ht (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.