Preparation of platelet-rich plasma as a tissue adhesive for experimental transplantation in rabbits

An in vitro study was carried out to obtain PRP from forty rabbits and to analyze the number of platelets and type of substance needed to trigger platelet activation. To induce platelet activation, 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% CaCl solutions were used. Then, an in vivo study was performed in twelve rabbits to test PRP adhesiveness in lamellar corneal graft. A control group made up of six rabbits underwent corneal transplantation without using PRP.5% CaCl was the most effective concentration in activating PRP, with a mean time of 19 minutes. An attached corneal flap was seen 3 months after surgery. A detached corneal button was seen in all controls.Our method was able to produce rabbit-derived PRP with suitable properties for soft tissue adhesion. These results could be useful for researchers of the growing fields of tissue repair and experimental transplantation.The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product that concentrates a high number of platelets in a small volume of plasma [1]. This product mimics the last step of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of a fibrin clot, which consolidates and adheres to the application site in a short period of time. Evidencing hemostatic and healing properties, PRP is able to hold tissues or materials in a required configuration [2]. Its biocompatible and biodegradable properties prevent the PRP from inducing foreign body reactions, tissue necrosis, or extensive fibrosis [3]. Absorption of the fibrin clot is achieved during wound healing within weeks following application [4-6]. PRP has been used in humans in different kinds of transplant procedures such as dentistry [7-9], orthopedics [10], maxillofacial surgery [11], plastic surgery [12,13] and ophthalmology [14]. In addition, PRP may be considered a carrier for biological active agents [15,16] and a healing substance causing less post-surgical pain [17,18].Although the preparation of PRP in humans is well known [19], its preparation in rabbits is more difficul