Platelet membrane glycoproteins and microvesicles in blood from postoperative salvage: a study in cardiac bypass patients.
BACKGROUND
Transfusion of blood collected by intraoperative and postoperative salvage systems has been linked to the development of thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although functional defects have been reported in platelets from unwashed salvaged blood, platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) composition, a potentially important determinant of function and survival, has not been studied.


METHODS
Platelets from 22 patients whose blood was salvaged at the completion of surgery were analyzed and compared to platelets obtained from the venous blood from the same patient. Platelet membranes were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated CD41a monoclonal antibody (anti-GPIIb/IIIa) to identify platelets, a phycoerythrin-conjugated monoclonal antibody, CD62 (anti-P-selectin) to identify activated platelets, and CD42b (anti-GPIb) or anti-GPIb/IX to assess GPIb. Samples were analyzed with a flow cytometer using software.


RESULTS
Platelets obtained from salvaged blood demonstrated lower GPIb expression (CD42b and GPIb/IX monoclonal antibody binding), higher P-selectin expression, and greater numbers of platelet-derived microvesicles.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical significance of transfusing blood containing activated platelets and microvesicles merits investigation.
Sloand
E
E
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Alyono
D
D
Yu
M
M
Klein
H
H
D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology
D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins