Electron microscopic observation of platelets following cardiopulmonary bypass
Watanabe, M.; Nukariya, M.; Tanaka, A.; Hosoda, Y.; Yuasa, S.
Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai 34(6): 812-817
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-4739 PMID: 3760623 Document Number: 278390
It is widely recognized that the massive platelet loss and dysfunction are observed following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Many works were done for preservation of platelets by many researchers, but this problem has not been satisfactorily resolved yet. This paper intends to study morphological alteration of platelets following CPB. In this research, bubble oxygenator and roller pump was employed. Whole blood, obtained from radial artery line by plastic syringe, was fixed in 2.0% glutaraldehyde with phosphate buffer. Then platelets were separated from by centrifugation for examination. Preparations for SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) were made for 10 patients before and after CPB. There observed distinct difference between platelets prior to CPB and after CPB viewed by SEM, platelets after CPB showed remarkable formation of aggregation and some of them even looked like rocks. Preparations for TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) were made for 6 patients also. Platelets demonstrated increase of vacuoles in the cytoplasma and degranulation of .alpha.-granulus after CBP by TEM. The stimulation of platelets during CPB is striking from the view point of morphological alteration. And it is deemed necessary to prevent these morphological changes for the purpose of platelets preservation during CPB.