Histamine synthesis by white cells during storage of platelet concentrates.
OBJECTIVE
To resolve the question whether histamine, like some cytokines, is actively synthesized during storage of platelet concentrates.


METHODS
We prepared conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates and 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).


RESULTS
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 histamine content of the platelet concentrates remained unchanged during the 5-day storage period. In contrast, the total content of IL-6 increased rapidly.


CONCLUSIONS
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 storage times.
Muylle
L
L
Blood Transfusion Center Antwerp, The Belgian Red Cross, Edegem, Belgium.
Beert
J F
JF
Mertens
G
G
Bult
H
H
D001792:Blood Platelets; D001793:Blood Preservation; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006632:Histamine / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013696:Temperature
D015850:Interleukin-6; D019343:Citric Acid; D006632:Histamine; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium