Analysis of a commercial dimethyl-sulfoxide-stabilized frozen canine platelet concentrate by turbidimetric aggregometry.

OBJECTIVES

To assess platelet function of a commercial dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO)-stabilized frozen platelet concentrate (PC) using turbidimetric aggregometry.

DESIGN

In vitro analysis.

SETTING

Research laboratory in a school of veterinary medicine.

ANIMALS

Five units of frozen PC in 6% DMSO were studied. Fresh platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with and without 6% DMSO, from 6 healthy dogs were used as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Turbidimetric platelet aggregation was measured after initiation of platelet aggregation by addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, or thrombin at concentrations of 30 μM, 20μg/mL, and 0.5U/mL, respectively. Measures were performed at thaw and repeated 2 hours after thaw for the frozen PC.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Compared with PRP, the frozen PC showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin (amplitude of 84% versus 25%, P=0.01), and collagen (amplitude of 13% versus 3%, P=0.05) but not ADP (6.5% versus 18%, P=0.2). Compared with frozen PC at thaw, the frozen PC at 2 hours after thaw showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin, collagen, and ADP (P<0.05). There was no difference in aggregation between PRP in 6% DMSO and frozen PC.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vitro data suggest there is a decrease in platelet response to agonists associated with the freeze-thaw process in the commercially available 6% DMSO canine frozen PC.