Single-dose intravenous α2-agonists do not acutely alter anti-inflammatory bioactive protein profiles but reduce interleukin-8 in equine autologous protein solution and platelet-rich plasma.

Xylazine and detomidine can be safely administered five minutes before blood collection for PRP and APS processing.

This randomized crossover study investigated the acute effects of two commonly used α2-agonist sedatives—xylazine (200 mg IV) and detomidine (10 mg IV)—on bioactive protein profiles in equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous protein solution (APS), as well as long-term effects on serum α2-macroglobulin (A2M) over six days. Six horses were enrolled in a crossover design with a two-week washout period. Blood was collected immediately before and five minutes after sedative administration and processed into PRP (Restigen) and APS (Pro-Stride). Samples were analyzed for platelet and leukocyte counts, A2M, selected growth factors, and cytokines. The only statistically significant finding was a reduction in interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentration in PRP following xylazine administration. IL-8 is a proinflammatory cytokine, and its reduction may theoretically be beneficial rather than detrimental in the context of regenerative medicine applications. Detomidine did not significantly alter the composition of either PRP or APS. Serum A2M concentrations remained unchanged across all six post-administration days for both sedatives. These findings suggest that both xylazine and detomidine are clinically acceptable for use prior to blood collection for regenerative therapy processing, with minimal impact on key anti-inflammatory and growth factor profiles. The study provides practical guidance for equine practitioners using biologic therapies such as PRP and APS, confirming that sedation with these agents does not meaningfully compromise the therapeutic composition of these products when blood is collected five minutes post-administration.

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