Background: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a key cytokine involved in the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production. The aim of the present study was to test whether platelet donation is associated with changes in the serum TPO levels in healthy donors undergoing plateletpheresis.
Study design and methods: The study group consisted of 23 healthy donors undergoing single-donor plateletpheresis for the first time. Serum TPO levels and platelet counts were determined before platelet collection, at the end of apheresis, and for 4 days thereafter. Serum TPO levels were determined by a TPO-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: In relationship to platelet donation, serum TPO levels showed a temporary increase from baseline levels of 69.2 +/- 7.1 pg per mL to 117 +/- 6.8 pg per mL 2 days after plateletpheresis (p < 0.05). Further evaluation revealed a decline in serum TPO levels as platelet counts increased. Female donors showed a delayed normalization of circulating platelet numbers and serum TPO levels as compared to male donors. There was no significant correlation between serum TPO levels and the absolute platelet number during normalization of the donors' platelet counts after plateletpheresis.
Conclusion: Single-donor plateletpheresis results in a temporary increase in serum TPO levels in healthy platelet donors, which may be part of a compensatory response-boosting megakaryocytopoiesis after platelet collection.