Gas-permeable bags kept at room temperature are currently used for storage of platelets for transfusion. Severe shortcomings of this procedure are rapid loss of platelet reactivity and multiplication of bacteria which occasionally contaminate the collected blood. Improvements are sought in the use of low temperature but new problems hinder general application most notably the damage of a surface glycoprotein (GP) called GPIb, the receptor for the adhesive protein von Willebrand Factor. The damage is in the glycosylation of GPIb, making the receptor a recognition signal for macrophages inducing binding and platelet destruction. We developed tools for analysis of platelet binding to and their phagocytosis by macrophages as a basis for a search for means to prevent GPIb damage. One of the consequences of de-glycosylation of GPIb is that the receptor forms clusters that activate platelets independent of ligand binding. This is a potential harmful condition when similar reactions take place after transfusion of platelet concentrates. Current studies aim to find means to prevent GPIb clustering and restore the survival of platelets without concurrent platelet activation.
General Aims:
To find techniques that better preserve the haemostatic activity of platelets during storage prior to transfusion.
On this project are working:
Ing. E van der Wal, Ph.D. student
Ing. S. Verhoef, research technician
Publications:
Badlou, B.A., Y.P. Wu, W.M. Smid and J.W.N. Akkerman. Platelet binding and phagocytosis by macrophages. Transfusion 2006; 46: 1432-1443
Badlou, B.A., G. Spierenburg, H. Ulrichts, H. Deckmyn, W.M. Smid and J.W.N. Akkerman. Role of glycoprotein Ib in phagocytosis of platelets by macrophages. Transfusion 2006; 46: 2090-2099
Cauwenberghs. S., E. van Pampus, J. Curvers, J.W.N. Akkerman and J.W.M. Heemskerk. Signaling and haemostatic function of transfused platelets. Transfusion Medicine Reviews 2007; 21: 287-293