Survival of 111-indium platelet subpopulations of varying density in normal and post splenectomized subjects.

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the survival of platelets of differing densities in normal and post-splenectomized subjects. Autologous platelets, labelled with 111In-oxine, were reinjected into normal subjects (n = 12); 63% were recovered in the circulation and their survival curve was linear with a T 1/2 of 4.5 d. When the platelets were layered onto a continuous Percoll gradient, they formed a band extending between 1.040 and 1.080 g ml-1. After fractionation of the gradient the specific radioactivity of 111In platelets recovered was measured. The specific activity of low density platelets (average 1.050 g ml-1) decreased rapidly with a T 1/2 of 2.0 d, whilst medium density platelets (average 1.060 g ml-1) survived with a T 1/2 of 4.5 d; high density platelets (average 1.073 g ml-1) exhibited a T 1/2 greater than 5.0 d. This latter population of high density platelets also showed a significant increase in specific activity on the first day following injection. In post-splenectomy subjects a similar relationship between density and 111In associated activity was observed but no increase in the specific activity of the dense platelets on day 1 was observed. We conclude that high density autologous 111In-platelets are preferentially retained in the spleen and have a more prolonged survival than those of lower density.