PRP is defined by the American Red Cross as a sample of plasma with a twofold or more increase in platelet concentration. There are over 1500 proteins within platelets. Among them are growth and activating factors that decrease the inflammatory response and promote increased blood flow and attraction of cells to the site of injury.
It is important to recognize and understand that there are differences between types of platelet concentrates that are used for healing and control of inflammation. White blood cells, or leucocytes, can be useful when added to platelets in conditions needing tendon or ligament healing and are termed leucocyte rich (LR-PRP). When PRP is used to treat an arthritic joint, we avoid white and red blood cells, as they are harmful to the lining cells of the joint. Thus, this is a leucocyte poor (LP-PRP).
The application of PRP in cartilage repair is relatively new, as it is found that cartilage cells exposed to PRP proliferate and the cells that line the joints increase hyaluronic acid production. This suggests that PRP could potentially serve as a source of cartilage growth and protection and joint lubrication after an injection into the joint.
Reference: Fortier et. al. Platelet Rich Plasma: Clinical Orthopedics and related research, 2701.
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