In vitro properties of apheresis platelet during extended storage in plasma treated with anandamide

Abstract Background In China apheresis platelets (PLTs) are stored in plasma for only 5 days, resulting in PLT inventory pressures. Anandamide (ANA) was reported to be a potential agent to inhibit PLT apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of extended storage PLTs in plasma treated with ANA in vitro. Methods Apheresis PLTs ( n = 20) were prepared in plasma treated with ANA, and stored at 22 °C for up to 11 days. On day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, PLTs were tested for PLT count, mean PLT volume (MPV), PLT distribution width (PDW), pH, pCO2 , pO2 , hypotonic shock response (HSR), phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and soluble P-selectin content. Results PLTs stored in plasma with/without ANA didn't show significant differences during the first 5 days of storage. From the 7th day on, PLTs stored in plasma with ANA displayed significantly lower PS expression, soluble P-selectin content and higher HSR scores than those stored in plasma without ANA ( P < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion The extended storage of PLTs in plasma treated with 0.5 µmol/l ANA showed better characteristics of the PLTs, compared with the control group, which was suggested to potentially alleviate the PLT storage lesion.