Activation of platelets by in vitro whole blood contact with materials: increases in microparticle, procoagulant activity, and soluble P-selectin blood levels.

Non-adherent platelets and plasma were analyzed for evidence of platelet activation after whole blood contact with materials under conditions of low shear for one hour at 37 degrees C. The contact involved adding heparinized whole blood to small diameter tubes that were connected to two arms extending from a rocking platform. For all surfaces (polyethylene, polypropylene, Silastic, PVA hydrogel) tested there was strong evidence of platelet activation in the bulk blood: platelet-derived microparticles, procoagulant platelet membranes and soluble P-selectin levels. Flow cytometric quantification of microparticles (MPs) was highly sensitive and entailed the direct determination of microparticle concentrations as opposed to the traditional quantification of microparticle percentages (relative to total number of MPs and platelets). Whole blood contact with polypropylene surfaces led to the greatest drops in bulk platelet counts and also to the lowest increases in microparticle concentrations. Flow cytometry was also used to assess procoagulant levels (annexin V binding) within a light scatter region known to contain platelets and some large microparticles. All surfaces were noted to generate a significant procoagulant population that was, based on forward light scatter, mostly very small platelets or large microparticles. In contrast, most of the P-selectin positive platelets were averaged sized. Lastly. all surfaces generated soluble P-selectin levels that were approximately double the level (25 ng ml(-1)) noted in the resting whole blood samples. In addition to our previous reports, these findings support the observation that there is strong evidence of platelet activation in the bulk that we anticipate will ultimately lead to more relevant in vitro testing of the compatibility of platelets towards materials.