Flow cytometric findings in platelets of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

R. Pihusch, H. Wegner, C. Salat, M. Pihusch, E. Holler, H. J. Kolb, E. Hiller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients may have an increased bleeding tendency in spite of a normal platelet count. Moreover, an association between chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and a thrombophilic state has been observed. Platelet receptors and granules from 27 patients following HSCT (13 without cGVHD, 14 with cGVHD) were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and compared to 62 healthy controls. Platelets from HSCT patients stained weakly with mepacrine indicating a reduced content of dense bodies, whereas no significant degranulation reaction of alpha granules and lysosomes was detectable. In addition, a lower surface expression of GP Ia/IIa was observed, indicating an acquired thrombocytopathy. The surface receptors are activated in HSCT patients, which could be seen by the lower surface expression of GP Ib internalized during the activation process and elevated levels of LIBS-1 and PAC-1 antibody binding. Patients with cGVHD had a seven-fold increased ratio of microparticles. This study demonstrates platelet receptor and granule defects in patients following HSCT. The key role of platelets in HSCT-associated hemostatic disorders is underscored by the high levels of circulating microparticles in cGvHD patients which might explain the thrombophilic state in these patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)381-387
Number of pages7
JournalBone Marrow Transplantation
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Graft-versus-host reaction
  • Microparticles
  • Platelets
  • Storage pool disease

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