Comparison of platelet-rich plasma and fibrin with regard to their neuroprotective effect on spiral ganglion neurons

Introduction: The administration of a factor cocktail to protect and regenerate spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) appears to be the most promising therapy in cochlear implant research at the moment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous cell-based growth factors and promotes wound healing. We were able to show the neuroprotective effect of PRP on SGN in a previous study. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is even more natural and very rich in leukocytes, coagulates a few minutes after isolation and could offer a matrix for outgrowing neurites. The effect of PRF should be examined in comparison to PRP in the inner ear.

Method: From voluntary donors, 2 x 8 mL of venous blood were freshly drawn from each donor and filled into the tubes of the RegenKit BCT3 (RegenLab) for the isolation of the PRP and, in parallel, into the tubes S-PRF (PRF Process). Then, centrifugation followed. The SGN were isolated as already described. The dissociated SGN were treated with different dilutions of PRP and PRF and incubated for 48 hours.

Results: The survival rate of SGN was significantly increased by treatment with PRF (1:10, 1:50 and 1:100; 42,68 % ). PRF (1:100) significantly increased the survival rate of SGN compared to the positive control (50 ng/mL BDNF, 25.78 % ) and resulted in significantly longer neurites than in the negative control. The PRP (1:10) significantly increased the survival rate of SGN compared to the negative and positive control, but could not significantly improve the neurite length.

Conclusion: Autologous blood preparations such as PRP or PRF could be used to administer neuroprotective and neuroregenerative substances as well as for immunomodulation in the inner ear.

Poster-PDF A-1453.pdf

Das Projekt wurde durch das Exzellenzcluster Hearing4all der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, EXC 2177/1) unterstützt.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021