Objectives
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To assess platelet function of a commercial dimethyl‐sulfoxide (DMSO)‐stabilized frozen platelet concentrate (PC) using turbidimetric aggregometry.
Design
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In vitro analysis.
Setting
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Research laboratory in a school of veterinary medicine.
Animals
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Five units of frozen PC in 6% DMSO were studied. Fresh platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), with and without 6% DMSO, from 6 healthy dogs were used as controls.
Interventions
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Turbidimetric platelet aggregation was measured after initiation of platelet aggregation by addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, or thrombin at concentrations of 30 μM, 20 μg/mL, and 0.5 U/mL, respectively. Measures were performed at thaw and repeated 2 hours after thaw for the frozen PC.
Measurements and Main Results
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Compared with PRP, the frozen PC showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin (amplitude of 84% versus 25%, P=0.01), and collagen (amplitude of 13% versus 3%, P=0.05) but not ADP (6.5% versus 18%, P=0.2). Compared with frozen PC at thaw, the frozen PC at 2 hours after thaw showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin, collagen, and ADP (P<0.05). There was no difference in aggregation between PRP in 6% DMSO and frozen PC.
Conclusions
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These in vitro data suggest there is a decrease in platelet response to agonists associated with the freeze‐thaw process in the commercially available 6% DMSO canine frozen PC.