Correction of Radiation-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Bleeding Tendency by Preserved Platelets. ∗

Summary

Rat platelets suspended in a glucose-sodium citrate-citric acid solution plus plasma have been introduced in polyethylene tubing of 0.125 inch in diameter and rapidly frozen by immersion of the whole container in liquid nitrogen. The material was stored in the same environment. The material was thawed by immersing the whole container in water at 45°C. Administration of these platelets to thrombocytopenic animals was associated with average increase of platelet counts from 36,900 to 205,793 in one hour. Eighteen hours after administration, 63.9% of these platelets were detectable in the circulation. Satisfactory correction of the bleeding tendency was observed in 66.6% of the recipients.

The assistance of Dr. Charles H. Burns of the School of Public Health in production of thrombocytopenia in the rats and the technical assistance of Miss Lynne Ballantyne are gratefully acknowledged.