title: Lyophilized platelets: continued development.
abstract: In our initial investigation of functionality of platelets freeze-dried after stabilization with 1.8% paraformaldehyde, we found that the rehydrated cells were morphologically intact and retained adhesive and procoagulant properties. Further testing of fixed, washed freeze-dried platelets has demonstrated the physiologic nature of their adhesion in vitro and their hemostatic efficacy in vivo in correcting the bleeding time in thrombocytopenic animal models. Binding studies with monoclonal antibodies and radiolabelled ligands indicate an intact GpIb vonWillebrands factor receptor as on fresh platelets, but a somewhat attenuated GpIIbIIIa fibrinogen receptor. Repeated infusion of canine lyophilized platelet preparations in a single recipient over several months has shown no incipient cytopenia upon infusion of new doses nor accelerated clearance of platelets. These findings suggest minimal risk of systemic thrombosis or severe immunogenic reaction and support the notion of approaching clinical trials as soon as possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Bode
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Read
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D004285:Dogs; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D019038:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019038:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D005340:Fibrinogen