Platelet storage time and cytokine [IL-2R, IL-8, TNF-alpha] levels

This study investigated whether cytokine accumulation in plasma of platelet concentrates obtained from single apheresis donors was beyond the acceptable limits of white blood cell contamination at different storage time-points. Samples were obtained from 11 voluntary apheresis donors. All products were heavily contaminated with leukocytes. Sampling times from stored platelets were 0, 1, 3, 5 days respectively. Platelet, white blood cell counts and cytokines [IL-2R, IL-8 and TNF-alpha] were measured. The study found significant cytokine accumulation during 5 days of storage time in leukocyte contaminated platelet concentrates, suggesting that the platelet storage time has an effect on IL-2R levels