title: A rabbit model for monitoring in vivo viability of human platelet concentrates using flow cytometry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Viability in vivo of novel platelet components cannot be readily determined in human transfusions. Elaboration of valid animal models may be useful for this purpose.
  
  
  METHODS
  Viability of platelet concentrates (PCs) WBC reduced before storage was determined by flow cytometry in rabbits whose reticuloendothelial system was inhibited by ethyl palmitate administration. PCs stored at 22 degrees C for 2 and 5 days (D2- and D5-PCs) or refrigerated PCs (3-6 days at 22 degrees C plus 1-4 days at 4 degrees C, RF-PCs) were transfused into rabbits. Five parameters of PC viability in vivo were calculated from human platelet survival curves: survival time, recovery 0.5 and 24 hours after transfusion (R0.5, R24), maximal recovery (Rmax), and total recovery for 0 to 24 hours (RSigma).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences in viability of D2- and D5-PCs were found. In contrast, viability of RF-PCs was significantly lower than that of D2-PCs, as was revealed with diverse sensitivity by four parameters: RSigma > R24 > R0.5=survival time (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rabbit model elaborated is sufficiently sensitive to reveal differences in human platelet viability in vivo between conventional and cold-damaged PCs. It may be useful for comparing viability of different platelet components that cannot be readily tested in human transfusions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Transfusion Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. leytinv@smh.toronto.on.ca
authors.forename: Valery
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Leytin
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Meera
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mody
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rand
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hannach
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Garvey
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Freedman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet / Q000032:analysis; D001793:Blood Preservation; D002470:Cell Survival; D015925:Cryopreservation; D003911:Dextrans / Q000494:pharmacology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000032:analysis; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000187:drug effects; D010169:Palmitic Acids / Q000633:toxicity; D010976:Platelet Count; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D011817:Rabbits / Q000097:blood*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
chemical_list: D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D003911:Dextrans; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D010169:Palmitic Acids; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; C007680:ethyl palmitate