Platelet aggregation and adenine nucleotides of platelet concentrates (PC) produced by Kanagawa Red Gross Center were investigated.
ADP-and epinephrine-induced aggregation of PC were markedly decreased. On the other hand, collagen-and ristocetin-induced aggregation were normal. Twenty units of PC were transfused to the thrombocytopenic patients (11 cases of acute leukemia, 1 case of aplastic anemia). Citrated PRP was obtained 1 hour and 24 hours after transfusion. ADP-and epinephrine-induced aggregation were improved after transfusion, while collagen-and ristocetin-induced aggregation had a tendency to decrease.
The contents of ATP and ADP of the platelets in PC were almost normal. The release of ATP and ADP induced by collagen were slightly lower than that of the fresh platelets. There were no appreciable changes in the contents and the release of adenine nucleotides before and after transfusion. No significant correlation was found between the platelet aggregabilities and adenine nucleotide contents. Impaired aggregation by ADP and epinephrine of PC was improved by adding normal fresh plasma.
Therefore the cause of impaired aggregabilities of PC may be attributed to the alteration of the interaction between aggregating agents and platelet membrane rather than the impairment of adenine nucleotide metabolism.
