Glycolytic intermediates and adenine nucleotides of human platelets. II. Effect of short-term storage at 4 C.

Abstract

Glycolytic intermediates and adenine nucleotides were determined in human platelet concentrates suspended in ACD or EDTA plasma and preserved at 4 C for one to seven days. Glucose consumption and lactate production were active over a relatively long period of time with both anticoagulants although rates and patterns of glycolysis were grossly influenced by the anticoagulant used. Overall rate of glycolysis appeared more active in EDTA than in ACD preparations, particularly during the first two to three days of storage. Study of glycolytic intermediates in ACD concentrates during storage demonstrated progressive accumulation of fructose‐1,6‐diphosphate (FDP), indicating the rate‐limiting character of the fructoaldolase reaction. In EDTA preparations, pronounced accumulation of more than one glycolytic intermediate occurred. These included FDP and triose‐P and also, 3 PG, while pyruvate became progressively decreased, indicating a rate‐limiting lesion in the conversion of 3‐PG to pyruvate. While pyruvate levels were depressed, lactate production proceeded actively, probably due to suppression of pyruvate utilization for pathways other than lactate producion (tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid and lipid synthesis). ATP level decreased slowly during storage with either anticoagulant. It is concluded that in human platelets stored at 4 C, changes in glycolytic intermediates are more rapid and prominent than reduction in ATP level. It is not as yet clear whether alterations in glycolysis are responsible for rapid loss of platelet viability during storage.