Some effects of propane-1,2-diol on human platelets.

The Kedem-Katchalsky equations and permeability data previously reported (F. G. Arnaud and D. E. Pegg. Permeation of glycerol and propane-1,2-diol into human platelets. Cryobiology 27, 130-136, 1990) have been used to design methods for adding and removing propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol, PG) with human platelets. Mean platelet volume was kept within the tolerated range of 60 to 120% of normal. PG concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 M were studied at 2, 21, and 37 degrees C. PG was removed only at 21 degrees C. The effects of concentration of PG, temperature, and duration of exposure on the hypotonic stress response and ADP-induced aggregation were measured. It was found that platelets would tolerate exposure to PG concentrations up to 2 M at 21 or 2 degrees C for up to 15 min. The extent of damage increased considerably at higher temperatures and concentrations. These data provide the necessary basis for experiments to cryopreserve platelets with PG.