L-Carnitine as an additive in Tyrode's buffer during platelet storage.

Abstract

: Platelets are stored at 22-24°C for 5 days, with gentle agitation. Platelet storage lesion decreases efficacy and safety of stored platelets. L-Carnitine is a nonessential amino acid. Its interference with arachidonic acid metabolism affects platelet functions and oxidative stress. Hence, our study focuses on the use of L-carnitine in storage solution and investigates its influence on platelet functions and oxidative stress. Platelets isolated from 4-month-old male Wistar rats were stored with and without L-carnitine (10, 50 and 100 mmol/l) at 22°C for 12 days. Various markers were analyzed on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. Aggregation with collagen decreased in LC100 (day 12), whereas adenosine triphosphate secretion increased in all L-carnitine groups. Glucose consumption was less in L-carnitine groups and pH was maintained at 7.4 in LC50 (day 8). Conjugate dienes (day 4) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (day 8) increased in LC10 and LC100. Protein carbonyls were maintained in L-carnitine groups. Catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity increased gradually. L-Carnitine proved to be beneficial in platelet storage solution. There was improvement in platelet metabolism, decrements in lipid peroxidation and elevations in total antioxidant capacity up to 12 days. However, pH results emphasize that platelets with L-carnitine (50 mmol/l) could be stored up to 8 days. Therefore, Tyrode's buffer with L-carnitine can be an effective storage solution for extended platelet storage. This study contributes towards the development of better storage solutions for platelets.