The influence of automated plateletpheresis on systemic levels of hematopoietic growth factors

BACKGROUND: Megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production are regulated by several hematopoietic growth factors. The present study focuses on the effects of automated plateletpheresis on systemic levels of different hematopoietic growth factors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelet count, mean platelet volume, and serum levels of thrombopoietin, erythropoietin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and stem cell factor in 21 healthy donors were measured before platelet collection, after the first half of the apheresis procedure, at the end of apheresis, and on Days 1, 2, and 7 thereafter. RESULTS: Thrombopoietin levels (initial level: 49.5 ± 25.5 pg/mL) showed a significant increase between measurements taken at the end of apheresis and Day 1 (56.9 ± 26.7 pg/mL; p = 0.01). There was a highly significant decrease in stem cell factor levels during apheresis (p