Platelet depletion/transfusion as a lethal factor in a colitis-associated cancer mouse model

Abstract

Background/Aim: TLR-4 Knock-out (KO) mice are protected from colitis-associated cancer in the established AOM/DSS mouse model. The aim of this study was to assess whether the TLR4 KO mice would still be protected from carcinogenesis after platelet depletion and transfusion with TLR4 wild-type platelets. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two female C57BL6 mice were divided into 6 groups. Among the three groups that received Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium (AOM/DSS), one group included TLR4KO mice, which were depleted of their platelets and were then transfused with platelets from TLR4 wild-type mice. The other two groups included wild-type and TLR-4KO mice that only received AOM/DSS. Results: All 6 animals in the KO group that underwent platelet depletion/transfusion succumbed. Three of them died before the administration of DSS and three in the week following DSS administration. In contrast, mice in the other two groups experienced less weight loss and only 1 mouse died in each of them. Conclusion: Platelet depletion/transfusion was detrimental in TLR-4 transgenic mice that received AOM/DSS.