New plasma-reduced synthetic media, Fukushima cocktails, for the storage of platelets for transfusion.
BACKGROUND
Donor plasma proteins are associated with non-hemolytic allergic reactions, such as urticaria or laryngeal edema, in platelet-transfusion recipients. Replacement of plasma with synthetic media from platelet concentrates (PCs) is considered to be effective in preventing such reactions. However, platelets preserved in media depleted of less than 10% plasma are reported to have functions inferior to those preserved in plasma.


METHODS
Fukushima Cocktails (FCs) contain glycerol (25, 50 or 100mM), sodium acetate, glucose and other components. To test the effect and determine the most suitable concentration of glycerol for platelet preservation, functions of platelets including aggregation, hypotonic shock response and swirling pattern and released biochemicals were measured with platelets preserved in Fukushima Cocktails. The effects of residual plasma on platelet functions were also evaluated. Autologous platelets stored for 3 days in solution containing 50 mM glycerol were transfused into healthy volunteer donors to evaluate their safety and survival.


RESULTS
The functions (aggregation and hypotonic shock response) of platelets preserved in Fukushima Cocktails with 10% residual plasma were preserved for 5-7 days as well as plasma controls, whereas platelets stored for 9 days in a medium lacking glycerol became swollen and beta-thromboglobulin and thromboxane B(2) increased. When the residual plasma was more than 5%, platelet functions including aggregation, hypotonic shock response and swirling pattern were well preserved for 7 days. The in vivo platelet survival rates at 24 and 48 h after transfusion of platelets stored for 3 days in Fukushima Cocktail were 77% and 60%, respectively, which were not less than autologous plasma-stored platelets.


CONCLUSIONS
Glycerol at a concentration of around 50 mM has a beneficial effect on platelet preservation for more than 7 days. The results of these experiments indicate that platelets stored in Fukushima Cocktail should be useful clinically.
Yuasa
T
T
Division of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Hikariga-oka Fukushima City, 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan.
Ohto
H
H
Suzuki
A
A
Shishido
F
F
D001792:Blood Platelets; D001793:Blood Preservation; D005947:Glucose; D005990:Glycerol; D006801:Humans; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D019346:Sodium Acetate
D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; D019346:Sodium Acetate; D005947:Glucose; D005990:Glycerol