Comparative Studies of Platelet Survival by Different Methods in the Rabbit

Abstract

Abstract Four methods for measuring the survival of homologous platelets in rabbits were studied: (1) transfusion of nonradioactive platelet concentrates to thrombocytopenic recipients, (2) transfusion of concentrates of platelets labeled in vitro with Cr51-sodium chromate, (3) transfusion of concentrates of platelets labeled in vivo with P32-orthophosphate and (4) transfusion of whole blood labeled in vivo with P32-orthophosphate. The survival time of platelets in normal rabbits was 3-4 days. From comparison of the 3 methods using platelet concentrates, the following conclusions were drawn. (1) All the platelets in a platelet concentrate were capable of recirculating after transfusion. (2) Labeling with P32 or Cr51 did not damage platelets. (3) About one-third of the Cr51 was immediately eluted from viable platelets after they were transfused. (4) Further exchange of the label in vivo did not occur to a significant degree with either Cr51 or P32. (5) Cr51 did not elute from platelets during storage of the platelets. (6) Studies of rabbit platelets had applicability in predicting the behavior of human platelets.