title: Ultrastructural comparison of the morphology of three different platelet and fibrin fiber preparations.
abstract: The aim of the current study was to investigate the ultrastructural morphology of three different sources of fibrin networks and platelets, namely, lyophilized human platelet-rich plasma (LPRP), freshly prepared human platelet-rich plasma (FPRP), and human platelet concentrate (HPC). The ultrastructural morphology of the three different fibrin networks was studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Turbidity curves were drawn at 405 nm at room temperature and fibrinogen concentrations were measured. Scanning electron micrographs showed that all clots produced thick major fibrin fibers as well as a well-defined fine fibrin network, which appeared to be a superimposed process that occurred after the major fibrin network was established. These features were decidedly more pronounced in the HPC specimens. Turbidity curves of the three types of plasma showed differences in LPRP and FPRP. Fibrinogen concentrations of all three preparations were in the normal ranges. Because of the great similarity between LPRP, HPC, and FPRP, we suggest that LPRP could be used successfully to study morphological changes in fibrin fibers and platelets, which may occur after exposure to certain therapeutic agents. However, functionality studies such as turbidity curves should concurrently be included. We therefore conclude that from a basic science point of view, LPRP is a valuable research tool and that such results may add information that could be valuable for clinical application.
authors: Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. resia.pretorius@up.ac.za
authors: Etheresia
authors: E
authors: Pretorius
authors: Sharon
authors: S
authors: Briedenhann
authors: Jorika
authors: J
authors: Marx
authors: Eureka
authors: E
authors: Smit
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Van Der Merwe
authors: Marlien
authors: M
authors: Pieters
authors: Carl
authors: C
authors: Franz
mesh_terms: D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000379:methods; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005337:Fibrin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D015539:Platelet Activation; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma / Q000378:metabolism*; D013917:Thrombin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005337:Fibrin; D013917:Thrombin