Original basic research

Preparation of platelet-rich plasma as a tissue adhesive for experimental transplantation in rabbits

Federico Luengo Gimeno¹ , Silvia Gatto² , José Ferro² , Juan Oscar Croxatto³ and Juan Eduardo Gallo¹

¹  Department of Ophthalmology, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Av. Perón 1500, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Argentina

²  Transfusional Service, Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Austral, Av. Perón 1500, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Argentina

³  Department of Ophthalmic Pathology, Fundación Oftalmológica Argentina "Jorge Malbran", Azcuénaga 1077, Pb B, Buenos Aires, 1115 (falta el numero entero), Argentina

author email corresponding author email

Thrombosis Journal 2006, 4:18doi:10.1186/1477-9560-4-18

Published:	28 September 2006

Abstract

Purpose

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous substance with adhesive properties. We aimed at developing and testing the efficacy of a method for PRP preparation in rabbits.

Materials and methods

An in vitro study was carried out to obtain PRP from forty rabbits and to analyze the number of platelets and type of substance needed to trigger platelet activation. To induce platelet activation, 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% CaCl solutions were used. Then, an in vivo study was performed in twelve rabbits to test PRP adhesiveness in lamellar corneal graft. A control group made up of six rabbits underwent corneal transplantation without using PRP.

Results

5% CaCl was the most effective concentration in activating PRP, with a mean time of 19 minutes. An attached corneal flap was seen 3 months after surgery. A detached corneal button was seen in all controls.

Conclusion

Our method was able to produce rabbit-derived PRP with suitable properties for soft tissue adhesion. These results could be useful for researchers of the growing fields of tissue repair and experimental transplantation.