Background: This study was designed to determine which in vitro assays would be most useful for studying the effects of cold storage on platelet concentrates and to establish an in vivo model for platelet recovery and survival.
Study design and methods: Paired, plasma-suspended, leucoreduced, buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates were stored either at 22 or 4 degrees C. Prior to storage and after 18 h, 5 days and 7 days, samples were taken and various assays were performed. On day 6, in vivo studies were carried out using a model system. Galactosylation of the platelets, prior to cold storage, was also tested.
Results: Hypotonic shock response, collagen-induced aggregation, RANTES and P-selectin binding site measurements demonstrated differences between platelets stored at 22 and 4 degrees C. The glycocalicin assay was able to demonstrate microvesicle formation at 4 degrees C. The in vivo model showed that there was at least a 50% decrease in recovery and survival when the platelets were stored in the cold. Galactosylation did not improve these results.
Conclusions: Several assays, both in vitro and in vivo, were able to detect differences in platelet-storage characteristics and in vivo recovery and survival in a model system. Galactosylation did not correct these cold-induced changes.