Key result
In an experimental model using asplenic rabbits, newly released platelets were found to have an increased density and became less dense as they circulated.
This preclinical study demonstrates that newly released platelets are denser and become less dense as they age in circulation.
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Extends preclinical models of platelet aging; hypothesis-generating for human kinetics and should not change practice.
An experimental model using asplenic rabbits injected with radioactive amino acids has been developed to examine the density distribution of newly released platelets. Platelets from asplenic rabbits had a larger mean volume and greater protein content than those from asplenic animals. Radiolabel, indicative of new platelets, is preferentially incorporated into the most dense platelets during the early postinjection period. Platelets of intermediate density also demonstrated augmented early label incorporation compared to the lightest cells, In contrast, during the late postinjection phase, there is preferential labeling of the least dense platelets. The specific radioactivity of heavy and light platelets rises to approximately equal levels, and falls abruptly, but the peak activities occur at distinctly separate times consistent with the concept of platelet density modification during platelet aging. Although platelet biologic properties are broadly distributed, these studies support the concept that on the average young platelets have an increased density and become less dense as they circulate.
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Corash et al. (1982) studied this question. Injection of radioactive amino acids was evaluated on Platelet density distribution and radiolabel incorporation. In an experimental model using asplenic rabbits, newly released platelets were found to have an increased density and became less dense as they circulated.
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