What is the Composition of Autologous Platelet Concentrate (APC)?
APC is a biologic isolated from whole blood that is preferentially enriched for platelets. While platelets are the primary component of APC, preparations may also contain other cellular components such as white blood cells (WBCs) and peripheral stem cells. These components all play a biological role in the healing process and are provided at concentrated levels in APC. Thus, APC may help optimize the conditions for healing of bone and soft tissue.
Platelets
Platelets play a critical role in several aspects of the healing process. Activated platelets release adhesion molecules that support clot formation for hemostasis. They also release several antimicrobial peptides that deliver infection control properties. Most importantly, as it relates to healing, platelets also release numerous growth factors, including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and SDF-1α30,33 that have been shown to orchestrate the key biological processes, including angiogenesis, inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration.
WBCs
WBCs (or leukocytes) play a key role in protecting the body from infection and coordinating the inflammatory response. The three primary classes of cells found in the WBC population each provide unique biological functionalities:
Granulocytes (or neutrophils)
- The “immediate response” cells for prevention of infection
- Key mediators of inflammatory response through phagocytosis and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Lymphocytes
- T-lymphocytes help regulate the function of other immune cells and directly attack various infected cells and tumors
- B-lymphocytes make antibodies, which are proteins that target unwanted bacteria, viruses and other foreign materials
Monocytes
- Assist in pathogen recognition
- Eventually become macrophages, which engulf and destroy pathogens
The illustration below shows how WBCs travel through the body to address inflammatory conditions.