title: Composition and characteristics of an autologous thrombocyte gel.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the current study was to characterize and compare an autologous thrombocyte gel containing several blood components with a commercially available glue.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five volunteers had blood drawn, and lab values, characteristics of the platelet-enriched plasma (PRP), thrombocyte aggregation, electron microscopic examinations, and the breaking strength were determined and compared to a commercial glue.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall 65% of the total thrombocytes could be isolated from the volunteers and an enrichment of 300% with an autotransfusion device could be achieved. Thrombocyte aggregation as a marker for thrombocyte function decreased from 92% in patients to 71% in the PRP. The autologous glue demonstrated a significant reduced breaking strength (0,76 N/cm(3)) compared to the commercial glue (7.42 N/cm(2)), P < 0.05. The decrease in breaking strength could be correlated with the thrombocyte concentration, P < 0.05.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the present study we have shown that an autologous platelet-enriched plasma cannot be used as a glue in the common sense to seal stitches or prosthesis. Platelet gels, however, have a high concentration of platelets that release the bioactive proteins and growth factors are necessary to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and enhance dermal and epidermal regeneration. To evaluate the possible clinical implication prospective, randomized studies should be performed to examine the effect of autologous plasma platelet-enriched plasma on wound healing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Altmeppen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Bonnländer
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Horch
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Jeschke
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D002469:Cell Separation; D005337:Fibrin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010976:Platelet Count; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D005782:Gels; D005337:Fibrin