Release of transforming growth factor beta 1 and platelet derived growth factor type AB from canine platelet gels obtained by the tube method and activated with calcium salts

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1) to measure the concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β₁) and platelet-derived growth factor type AB (PDGF-AB) in plasma and platelet gel (PG) activated with calcium salts (gluconate or chloride) in dogs, and 2) to determine correlations between cell results and growth factors (GF) concentrations. Blood samples were collected from fourteen Brazilian Fila dogs. EDTA was used to obtain whole blood and plasma while ACD-A solution was used to prepare platelet concentrates (PC). Calcium salts were added to PC to induce their gelification. Platelet and leukocyte count was performed before PC activation. The concentration of growth factors in PG supernatants and plasma was determined by ELISA. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between platelet and leukocyte count were observed when comparing whole blood and PC. No statistically significant differences were found between the concentrations of TGF-β₁ and PDGF-AB in PC and plasma according to the calcium salt used for the activation of PC. The TGF-β₁ concentration was highly correlated with the number of platelets concentrated in the PC. This methodology was useful for producing PG with therapeutic potential for canine regenerative medicine.