Effect of two anticoagulants on the cell count and platelet activation parameters from equine platelet-rich plasma

Abstract

The aims of the study were 1) to compare the effect of the anticoagulants, sodium citrate (CS) and acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) solution A (ACD-A) on counts of platelets (PLTs) and leukocytes and on the activation platelet-related variables, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in whole blood, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from equines; 2) To set the collection efficiencies for PLT and leukocytes in PRPs obtained with both anticoagulants and 3) to correlate PLT and leukocyte counts, MPV and PDW in every blood component. Whole blood from18 horses was collected in both CS and ACD-A tubes, PRP and PPP were obtained by the tube method. Whole blood, PRP and PPP were evaluated by automated haemogram. PLT and leukocyte counts in whole blood, PRP and PPP were not affected by anticoagulants. PLT counts were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in PRP compared to whole blood and PPP. Leukocyte counts were similar between whole blood and PRP, but differed significantly (P < 0.001) from PPP. No significant differences were observed for MPV and PDW between whole blood and PRP. Significant correlations were observed between PLT and leukocyte counts (ρ: 0.73, P < 0.01), leukocyte and lymphocyte counts (ρ: 0.76, P < 0.01) and PLT and lymphocyte counts (ρ: 0.60, P <0.01). A negative moderate correlation between leukocyte counts and PDW (ρ: -0.65, P < 0.01) was found. The anticoagulant used for producing equine PRP had no effect on cell concentration and activation platelet-related parameters. Thus, cell parameters are no useful for discriminating which of both anticoagulants could be better for producing equine PRP.