Effect of Chilling on Membrane Related Functions of Platelets

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Abstract
The effect of short‐term exposure of human platelets to 4C was studied with respect to membrane structure and function. The distribution of membrane polypeptides and glycopeptides analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gel electrophoresis showed no difference in chilled, fresh or room‐temperature stored platelets. Similarly unaffected by chilling were Na+ flux and glutathione content. The electrophoretic mobility of cold‐exposed platelets was significantly lower than that of fresh or room‐temperature exposed platelets. The uptake of 45Ca++ was well preserved when platelets were stored for up to four hours at 4 C but showed a marked decrease at 22 C. The contractile response of platelets to hypotonic stress decreased rapidly on chilling concomitant with the length of exposure to cold temperature. These findings extend the known cold‐induced changes in platelets to include membrane structure and function.