The effect of adenine on platelet storage.

Adenine is an approved additive to citrate-phosphate-dextrose anticoagulant for whole blood collection and extends the storage life of red blood cells. We used in vitro methods to investigate the effects of adenine on platelet function and viability during 72 hours of storage at 22 degrees C. Although the hypotonic shock response and aggregation were decreased, these effects were reversed following separation and resuspension in fresh adenine-free plasma. Serotonin uptake and release were not affected by adenine, however malonaldehyde formation was slightly enhanced. Glucose, pH and pO2 levels were lower, while lactate levels were slightly higher than in platelets stored without adenine. These results indicate little in vitro effect of adenine on platelets stored as platelet-rich plasma or platelet concentrate.