Histamine Synthesis by White& ;Cells during Storage of Platelet Concentrates

Abstract

Objectives: To resolve the question whether histamine, like some cytokines, is actively synthesized during storage of platelet concentrates. Methods: We prepared conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates and stored them in the usual way at 22 °C. Disodium cromoglycate was added to one series, saline to the controls. Samples were taken at intervals, to be tested for histamine and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results: The plasma histamine level increased from a median of 1.02 ng/ml (range 0.11–3.27) to 12.9 ng/ml (range 4.30–32.9) whereas the total histamine content of the platelet concentrates remained unchanged during the 5-day storage period. In contrast, the total content of IL-6 increased rapidly. Conclusion: Histamine is not synthesized during storage of platelets, whereas IL-6 is. The addition of disodium cromoglycate, a substance that inhibits granulocyte activation, had no effect on the release of histamine or on the total histamine content at various storage times.

Allergic transfusion reactions to platelets are associated more with recipient and donor factors than with product attributes

“…We conclude that both donor and recipient factors are associated with incident ATRs. Furthermore, we conclude that storage‐related effects, such as proallergic mediators that accumulate during storage 22,23 or through interaction with plastic 24 do not appear to be as strongly associated with ATRs as donor and recipient factors. There are likely both donor and recipient attributes that are needed concurrently to elicit an ATR, and their relative contributions to an ATR developing may change with time and circumstances.…”

A randomized controlled trial comparing the frequency of acute reactions to plasma‐removed platelets and prestorage WBC‐reduced platelets

“…The cause(s) of the residual nonallergic reactions requires further investigation. However, it is well known that many other biologic response modifiers, including platelet‐derived cytokines, chemokines, complement fragments, histamine, and lipids, also accumulate in platelets during storage, and it is possible that other biologic response modifiers play a role in these residual reactions 23‐33 …”