Review

Reviewing the Structural Features of Autologous Platelet-Leukocyte Gel and Suggestions for Use in Surgery
P.A. Everts^a, J.J. Jakimowicz^b, M. van Beek^c, J.P.A.M. Schönberger^d, R.J.J. Devilee^e, E.P. Overdevest^a, J.T.A. Knape^g, A. van Zundert^f

Departments of
^aPerioperative Blood Management and
^bGeneral Surgery,
^cPathology Laboratory, and Departments of
^dCardiothoracic Surgery,
^eOrthopedic Surgery, and
^fAnesthesiology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, and
^gDepartment of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Surg Res 2007;39:199-207 (DOI: 10.1159/000101743)

  Key Words

• Platelet-leukocyte gel
• Growth factors
• Wound healing
• Leukocytes
• Antimicrobial activity
• Electron microscopic imaging

  Abstract

The therapeutic use of autologously prepared platelet-leukocyte gel (PLG) is a relatively new technology which might stimulate and accelerate soft-tissue and bone healing. The effectiveness of this procedure lies in the exogenous delivery of a wide range of platelet growth factors, intentionally released from autologously prepared PLG. The rationale to employ this technique is to mimic physiological wound healing and reparative tissue processes. Despite an increase in clinical PLG applications, the structures and kinetics of this biological material have not been completely examined. Electron microscopic imaging was performed to evaluate platelet-leukocyte gel structures. Furthermore, directions for PLG application are presented, based on results from published articles in various surgical disciplines. In conclusion, PLG can be useful in a wide range of clinical applications to enhance healing following surgical procedures, since exogenous applied PLG releases instantly platelet growth factors, in the presence of leukocytic cells.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Peter A.M. Everts, PhD
Department of ECC/Blood Management
Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2
NL-5623 EJ Eindhoven (The Netherlands)
Tel. +31 40 239 9111, Fax +31 40 291 2480, E-Mail everts@elive.nl

  Article Information

This article is part of the thesis of the first author: Autologous Platelet-Leukocyte-Enriched Gel: Basics and Efficacy.

Received: December 9, 2006
Accepted after revision: February 6, 2007
Published online: April 13, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 9
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 53