Shape change and hypotonic shock response measurements to assess functional efficacy of platelets

摘要

Several variables such as anticoagulant, plastic bag composition, gas transport, residual plasma volume, agitation and storage temperature influence the viability and function of platelets during storage, Measurements of pH, pO(2) and pCO(2) are good enough to predict acid-base balance but not for detecting functional stability of platelets, A quick and simple screening method is required to establish the functional response of stored platelets to agonists, Minimal activation of platelets may be a reversible change, but if they are stimulated to change shape and secrete their granular contents, they turn nonfunctional and refractory to agonists, So refractoriness of platelets to agonist response can be a reliable method to detect the functional loss of platelets, Here it is demonstrated that refractoriness can he measured by a simple spectrophotometric shape change measurement, Platelets that were deliberately stimulated were used as a model for refractory platelets, The data obtained for shape change response was double-checked using conventional aggregometric analysis to detect loss of function, Measurement of hypotonic shock response to assess the post-transfusion recovery of stored platelets is also studied in unstirred suspension, using a double beam spectrophotometer. Thus a simple spectrophotometric analysis will enable the transfusion centres to check quality of the stored platelets and predict their post-transfusion recovery and hemostatic efficacy. [References: 12]