Skip to main content
2025 AABB Annual Meeting Main banner

Abstract

Cell Biology/Immunology and Biochemistry (Basic and Preclinical Research) - Platelets

#OA1-AM25-MN-35 - Oxygen-Restricted, Cold Storage Preserves Platelet Function and Count Amid Divergent Oxidative Stress Responses

Monday, October 27, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM  PT
Location: 30AB

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Moritz Stolla, n/a

    Associate Member
    Bloodworks Northwest
    Seattle, Washington

    Disclosure information not submitted.

Background/Case Studies: Platelets (PLTs) are stored at room temperature in gas-permeable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags because of their active metabolism. During cold storage, PLT metabolism slows, and the relative contribution of glycolysis increases over the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This study tests the effect of limited O2 supply during cold storage on PLT storage quality parameters, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress markers.

Study

Design/Methods: We obtained PLT apheresis donations on day zero and stored them at 4°C, in a regular gas-permeable PVC bag (a] positive control), or with limited O2 supply in gas-impermeable barrier bags (BB) with a polyethylene (PE) blood contact layer. One type of BB was manufactured with an added partition out of a gas-permeable thin PE film. PLTs were placed on one side of the partition and O2-saturated RBCs on the other to allow for a limited O2 supply (b] BB-RBC). The other type was without the RBC partition, i.e., without O2 supply (c] BB-control). We tested for PLT quality and count using a cooximeter and heme analyzer. PLT function was tested by flow cytometry. PLT adhesion to the storage bags was tested by histology. Mitochondrial function and glycolysis were tested in a Seahorse XF HS Mini Analyzer, and oxidative status by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS).  

Results/Findings:

Over storage time, the pO2 differed significantly between the PVC bag (highest), the BB-RBC (middle), and BB-control (lowest) (p< 0.001). Both limited O2 groups preserved PLT count better than the PVC bag over storage time (p< 0.05). There was significantly more PLT deposition inside the PVC bag wall than in the BBs with PE lining (p< 0.05). The pH and glucose levels in PVC bags were significantly higher and the lactate levels significantly lower than in both limited O2 groups (all p< 0.05). PLT activation did not differ significantly between the three groups at baseline or after agonist stimulation. The BB-control bag showed the lowest O2 consumption rate values, significantly lower than the BB-RBC (middle), and PVC (highest) (p< 0.05 for most time points). No significant differences were seen between the PVC and BB-RBC bags. Surprisingly, glycolysis was also least active in the BB-control bags. LC-MS analysis indicated that the percentage of reduced total thiols was higher under hypoxic conditions, suggesting reduced overall oxidative stress. However, the metabolites produced by 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) were manifold higher in limited O2 conditions, suggesting 12-LOX upregulation.   

Conclusions:

Storage of cold PLTs under limited O2 conditions in PE-lined BB preserves PLT count and activation during storage. Additional O2 supplementation through the PE film from an RBC-filled compartment improved oxidative metabolism, leading to higher pH and glucose levels. Limited O2 conditions reduced overall oxidative stress; however, 12-LOX metabolites significantly increased.