Reduction of ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) during storage despite plasma renewal: evidence for hemostatic importance of GPIbα shedding.

Background: Platelet storage is complicated by deleterious changes, among which reduction of ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) has a poorly understood mechanism. The study elucidates the mechanistic roles of all the possible players in this process.

Research Design And Methods: PRP-platelet concentrates were subjected to RIPA, collagen-induced platelet aggregation (CIPA), and flowcytometric analysis of GPIbα and PAC-1 binding from days 0 to 5 of storage.