Storage of platelets at 370 C accelerates platelet apoptosis: A possible model for the platelet storage lesion

During blood bank storage, platelets undergo a number of alterations that may affect their viability after transfusion. The aim of this study was to assess platelet apoptosis in blood stored at 37°C, as a model for studying the platelet storage lesion. The results showed that storage was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of platelets expressing phosphatidylserine. Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of dead platelet and the percentage of platelets with depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential was detected. Moreover, the expression of CD42b and CD47 significantly decreased after 48h of storage at 37°C. When the results were compared with platelets stored under standard blood bank conditions for 6 days were observed, however the degree of apoptosis was less in platelets stored in blood banks at 22°C. In conclusion, storage of platelets at 37°C greatly accelerates platelet apoptosis and may be useful model for studying the platelet storage lesion.