Comparison of Two Preparation Methods for Platelet-Rich Plasma Eye Drops for Release of Growth Factors and De-Epithelization Rabbit Model

Purpose. To compare two platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation methods (double spin (D-PRP) and TriCell PRP (T-PRP)) for eye drops, concentration yields of platelets and other cells, release of growth factors, and efficacy of the de-epithelization rabbit model. Methods. PRP was extracted by D-PRP and T-PRP from 30 ml blood from healthy adults. After extraction, platelets and leukocytes were counted. D-PRP and T-PRP were preserved during A: 1 h storage at room temperature, B: 1 h storage at −20°C, C: 24 h storage at 4°C, and D: 24 h storage at −20°C. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was measured. Freezing/thawing PRP eye drops and control were instilled in the de-epithelization rabbit model four times per day for 5 days. Histology was compared between eyes treated with control, D-PRP, and T-PRP. Results. 14 ml of D-PRP and 4 ml of T-PRP were extracted from 30 ml whole blood samples. D-PRP and T-PRP had 41.36 ± 8.43 × 104 and 67.02 ± 13.55 × 104 platelets and 0.41 ± 0.24 × 103/ml and 10.09 ± 4.29 × 103/ml leucocytes, respectively. In the four storage methods, PDGF concentrations in T-PRP were higher than those in D-PRP eye drops. Freezing/thawing D-PRP and T-PRP increased PDGF concentrations. Histology showed corneal epithelium thickness in T-PRP-treated eyes after healing (38.41 ± 9.10 μm) was significantly higher than that in control-treated (27.77 ± 4.76 μm) and D-PRP-treated eyes (18.32 ± 3.14 μm) (  < 0.05). There was no corneal damage with inflammation in corneal stroma and epithelium of all tested groups. Electron microscopy revealed strong adhesion between cell junctions in T-PRP-treated eyes. Conclusions. Freezing/thawing of PRP extracted with the T-PRP kit may result in high platelet and leukocyte concentration and produce high PDGF concentration. PRP eye drops including leucocytes could increase thickness of corneal epithelium without corneal inflammation.