Clearance of Trehalose Lyophilized Platelets in Mice

The utilization of stored platelet transfusion has emerged as an effective approach in the management of thrombocytopenia. However, the limited availability of fresh platelets in veterinary medicine due to the challenging storage requirements poses a significant constraint. Lyophilized platelets offer extended shelf-life and convenient storage options, enhancing their accessibility for thrombocytopenic patients. However, only a limited number of studies have examined the clearance and survival rate of transfused lyophilized platelets, particularly regarding the lyophilization technique utilizing trehalose as a platelet stabilization agent. The objective of this study was to assess the recovery and survival rate of trehalose lyophilized platelets within the circulatory system. To investigate these parameters, CMFDA-labeled lyophilized platelets were administered to mice, and their recovery and survival rates were analyzed. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the rapid clearance of lyophilized platelets from the systemic circulation. The immediate post-infusion percent recovery of labeled platelet particles was 42.7 ± 8.15 %. The average survival rates at post-infusion time points at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes were 28.2 ± 4.31, 14.5 ± 3.56, 5.1 ± 2.02, and 0.82 ± 0.57, respectively. The calculated mean half-life was 8.39 ± 0.44 minutes. The most pronounced decrease in labeled lyophilized platelet count occurred during the 30-minute timeframe immediately following infusion. Subsequently, over 99% of lyophilized platelets were eliminated after 60 minutes post-infusion. These findings indicate that higher dosages and more frequent administration of trehalose lyophilized platelets might be necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect comparable to that of fresh platelets.