RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PACKED CELL-VOLUME, PLATELETS, AND PLATELET SURVIVAL IN RED BLOOD CELL HYPERTRANFUSED MICE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 94  (3) , 500-509
Abstract
In this study platelet and megakaryocyte concentration, blood volume, and platelet survival of mice after RBC [red blood cell] hypertransfusion to PCV [packed cell volume] of 62-90% were measured. Platelet concentration of mice with PCV up to 75% was decreased by up to 1/2. At higher PCV more severe thrombocytopenia developed, with platelet concentrations decreased to less than 10% of baseline in approximately 1/2 of the mice. Blood volumes of hypertransfused mice were increased up to 2-fold. Megakaryocyte concentrations were normal or increased. Platelet survival in mice with PCV less than 75% was normal but was sharply decreased for mice with higher PCV. The decrease in platelet concentration at moderately elevated PCV may be explained by hemodilution in the larger blood volume. Hemodilution alone did not explain severe thrombocytopenia at higher PCV. Presence of decreased platelet survival with normal or increased megakaryocyte concentrations in this latter group suggested that severe thrombocytopenia was the result of more rapid platelet destruction. Elevation of PCV by RBC hypertransfusion produced thrombocytopenia. Severity of thrombocytopenia and mechanisms involved in producing it changed abruptly when PCV exceeded 75%. These findings should be considered in interpretations of the influence of RBC hypertransfusion on hematopoiesis and in clinical and experimental thrombopoiesis studies in polycythemic subjects.