Comparison of fibroblast survival in freeze-dried irradiated platelets, fresh concentrated platelets, or foetal bovine serum.

PURPOSE To compare the survival of human fibroblasts in freeze-dried irradiated platelets, fresh concentrated platelets, or foetal bovine serum. METHODS 3, 10, 30, and 100 micrograms protein/ml of freeze-dried irradiated platelets or fresh concentrated platelets, or 5%, 15%, and 50% of foetal bovine serum were each added to the culture medium with human fibroblasts. Controls had no growth factors or serum added. The initial number of fibroblasts was 5000 per well plate. After 72 hours of incubation, the number of living fibroblasts was measured using the MTT (dimethylthiazol diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Inter- and intra-group differences were compared. RESULTS After 72 hours of incubation, the number of living fibroblasts was highest in wells with foetal bovine serum, followed by fresh concentrated platelets, freeze-dried irradiated platelets, and controls. Inter-group differences between the controls and each of the other groups were significant. Intra-group differences were significant for all subgroups with fresh concentrated platelets (except 30 vs 100 micrograms) and foetal bovine serum. CONCLUSION Freeze-dried irradiated platelets contain enough growth factor activity for fibroblast survival and may be used to promote wound healing.