Functional and morphological analysis of rehydrated lyophilized human platelets

We have prepared rehydrated lyophilized (RL) human platelets as a candidate for platelet substitute. Platelets prepared from buffy-coats were fixed with 1.8% paraformaldehyde, frozen in the presence of 5% bovine serum albumin and stored after lyophilization. RL platelets preserved ristocetin- dependent aggregation buy not collagen-induced aggregation. Flow cytometric analysis of membrane glycoproteins revealed the presence of GPIb and GPIIIa. This also showed appearance of GMP-140, which is a marker of platelet activation. Transmission electron micrographic analysis showed no morphological difference between fresh and RL platelets. These results suggest that RL platelets is a promissing candidate that can substitute the adhesion capacity of platelets.