Cooling and Cryopreservation of Equine Platelet-Rich Plasma With Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Trehalose.

The research explores the effects of cryoprotectants – dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and trehalose – on the cooled and cryopreserved equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The aim is to improve the viability of platelets in PRP for improved medical use in horses.

Research methodology

• The study started with1 the creation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the blood of six different ponies. This process involves a double centrifugation of the blood.
• These PRP samples were divided into four groups: fresh PRP, PRP mixed with 6% DMSO, PRP combined with 300 mM of trehalose, and PRP only. These groups were used to compare and assess the effectiveness of each treatment.
• Cooling (4°C) and cryopreservation (-196°C) protocols were separately performed on these aliquots.
• The stored cooled or cryopreserved aliquots were kept for 14 days.
• All the PRP samples then underwent an evaluation for various metrics, including the platelet count, the mean platelet volume, and the release of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1).

Research findings

• The research found that the number of platelets in the fresh PRP and cooled samples was similar.
• However, the platelet count was higher in the fresh equine PRP than in the cryopreserved samples.
• As for the release of TGF-β1, the fresh PRP had higher levels of the growth factor. But it was discovered that even the stored samples released substantial amounts of TGF-β1.

Conclusion

• With these results, the study provides crucial insights into the attempts to increase the lifespan and viability of platelets in equine PRP using cryoprotectants like DMSO and trehalose.
• While fresh samples show the best outcomes, cooled and conserved samples also display significant levels of growth factor, implying the effectiveness of the cooling and cryopreservation for storing PRP for future use.