bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient leukemoid reaction and trisomy 21 mosaicism in a phenotypically normal newborn
Authors: Brodeur GM , Dahl GV , Williams DL , Tipton RE , Kalwinsky DK
Published: October 2019

Transient leukemoid reactions that resemble acute leukemia have been well described for infants with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). We report a phenotypically normal 3-day-old boy with hepatosplenomegaly, leukocytosis, and circulating myeloblasts. On chromosome analysis, trisomy 21 was found in all blood and bone marrow cells. However, only 4% of cultured skin fibroblasts were trisomic and the other 96% were normal, thus indicating mosaicism. Without treatment, the leukocyte count gradually returned to normal and the organomegaly diminished. Subsequently, chromosome analysis of blood and bone marrow disclosed a predominance of cells with a normal karyotype. These findings suggest that mosaicism could be responsible for the transient leukemoid reactions in some newborns--i.e., the trisomic cells may temporarily gain a proliferative advantage over the normal cells, perhaps by inhibiting their growth. Serial cytogenetic studies, as well as chromosome analysis of more than one tissue, may help to distinguish transient leukemoid reactions from acute leukemia in infants.
Alpha globin gene number: population and restriction endonuclease studies
Authors: Brittenham G , Lozoff B , Harris JW , Kan YW , Dozy AM , Nayudu NV
Published: October 2019

Restriction endonuclease analysis was used to test a proposed genetic model using alpha-globin gene number to account for the observed distributions of the proportions of hemoglobin (Hb) S in sickle cell trait. In a subsample of specimens collected during a population survey in India, these studies confirmed that the postulated genotype was present in 22 of the 23 individuals examined. In the study population, the number of alpha-globin genes explains about 90% of the variance in the proportion of HbS in sickle cell trait (r2 = 0.895, p less than 10(- 10)).
Binding of immunoglobulin classes to subpopulations of human red blood cells separated by density-gradient centrifugation
Authors: Alderman EM , Fudenberg HH , Lovins RE
Published: October 2019

Human erythrocytes (RBC) from whole blood were separated according to their specific densities by centrifugation on a polyvinyl-pyrrolidine- coated colloidal silica matrix (Percoll) into four major subpopulations. By indirect immunofluorescence assay, the most dense RBC subpopulation, with specific density greater than 1.110 g/ml (3%-5% of total RBC), was positive for membrane-bound immunoglobulin; the remaining, less dense subpopulations were negative. IgG was present on 85%-95%, IgM on 28%-32%, and IgA on 15%-20% of the RBC in the most dense population. When these immunoglobulins were eluted, radiolabeled, and used in binding studies with autologous RBC fractions subjected to thermal and/or enzymatic treatment, they reacted specifically with the less dense RBC subpopulations. These results suggest that previously cryptic antigens were revealed by the activity of neuraminidase on the plasma membranes of the treated RBC.
A new improved clinical staging system for multiple myeloma based on analysis of 123 treated patients
Authors: Merlini G , Waldenstrom JG , Jayakar SD
Published: October 2019

The effect of the presenting clinical features on survival time was evaluated in 173 patients of a population of 201 individuals with multiple myeloma observed at Malmo General Hospital during the 11-yr period 1960 to January 1, 1971. Complete follow-up was continued until December 1978. One-hundred and five of the patients came from the city of Malmo and constitute a complete nonselected myeloma population. Bivariate correlation and multivariate regression analyses showed that the survival (i.e., the prognosis) could be accurately predicted in IgG and pure Bence Jones myeloma patients from (A) serum creatinine level, (B) serum calcium level, and (C) bone marrow plasma cell percentage; and in IgA myeloma patients from (A) hemoglobin level, (B) serum calcium level, and (C) serum M-component level. The results were synthesized to produce a simple and reliable clinical staging system with three stages (i.e., risks of death). To facilitate the clinical application, multivariate regression equations were developed to optimally predict the prognosis, and graphs were constructed in order to make the staging of the myeloma patients easier and quicker. The comparison of the duration of survival between the three groups of staged patients confirmed the high reliability of the present staging system.
An oxygen-dependent mechanism of neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Weiss SJ , LoBuglio AF
Published: October 2019

Human neutophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate were able to rapidly destroy autologous red blood cell targets. Neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity was related to phorbol myristate acetate concentration and neutrophil number. The ability of stimulated neutrophils to lyse red blood cell targets was markedly impaired by catalase or superoxide dismutase but not by heat-inactivated enzymes or albumin. Despite a simultaneous requirement for O2.- and H2O2 in the cytotoxic event, a variety of OH. and 1O2 did not effect cytolysis. The myeloperoxidase inhibitor cyanide did not reduce red blood destruction, while azide consistently impaired cytolysis. The inability of cyanide to reduce cytotoxicity coupled with the protective effect of superoxide dismutase suggests that cytotoxicity is independent of the classic myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system. We propose that neutrophils, stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, generate O2.- and H2O2, which play an integral role in a novel cytotoxic mechanism.
Coexistence of three hemoglobins with different alpha-chains in two unrelated children (with family studies indicating polymorphism in the number of alpha-globin genes in the Sardinian population)
Authors: Meloni T , Pilo G , Camardella L , Cancedda F , Lania A , Pepe G , Luzzatto L
Published: October 2019

In each of two families from Sardinia, Italy, we have found segregation for two alpha-chain hemoglobin variants, which we have identified as G Philadelphia [alpha 68 (E17) Asn leads to Lys] and J Sardinia [alpha 50 (CE8) His leads to Asp], respectively. One family also shows segregation for the beta-thalassemia trait. One subject in one family and two subjects in the other family have in their red cells both hemoglobin variants, G and J, in addition to HbA. One of the subjects, a newborn baby, has six major hemoglobin components; alpha 2A beta 2, alpha 2A gamma 2, alpha 2G beta 2, alpha 2G gamma 2, alpha 2J beta 2, alpha 2J gamma 2. These three cases are to be added to three previous cases in the literature in whom three different alpha-chains have been found in the same blood. These findings prove that the alpha-chain locus is duplicated in the Sardinian population, as it is in other populations. The relative amounts of the various hemoglobin species found in members of our two families, through three and four generations respectively, suggest that chromosomes with and without duplication may coexist in the same population.
Complement sensitivity of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria bone marrow cells
Authors: Tumen J , Kline LB , Fay JW , Scullin DC , Reisner EG , Rosse WF , Huang AT
Published: October 2019

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder in which erythrocytes, granulocytes, and platelets are defective, as shown by increased susceptibility of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets to complement- mediated lysis in vitro. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity to complement lysis of PNH and non-PNH erythroid and myeloid precursors using the release of 59Fe and myeloperoxidase as specific markers to monitor the lytic action of complement on erythroid and myeloid cell precursors, respectively. Erythroid cell precursors in four of four PNH patients demonstrated increased sensitivity to complement-mediated lysis. Myeloid cell precursors in four of five PNH patients also exhibited increased sensitivity to complement and antibody. In addition, CFU-c growth was below normal in the marrow of seven PNH patients. These findings support the hypothesis that the defect in PNH occurs at the level of the hematopoietic stem cell.
Cytosol intermediates in the transport of iron
Authors: Nunez MT , Cole ES , Glass J
Published: October 2019

Three 59Fe-labeled nonheme components of the cytosol were identified when rabbit reticuloyctes were incubated with 59Fe-labeled plasma under conditions in which the iron supply was not limiting. Two of these components were identified as ferritin and transferrin. The latter was characterized by gel filtration as having apparent molecular weight higher than transferrin, indicating that the transferrin may be complexed to another moiety. The third component, referred to as iron- binding protein-I (IBP-I), is as yet uncharacterized. When the reticulocytes were incubated with unlabeled plasma after pulse-labeling with 59Fe-labeled plasma, 59Fe radioactivity in these cytosol components decreased; after 15 min of chase, the 59Fe in ferritin, transferrin, and IBP-I fell to 64.6%, 26.5%, and 65.8% of the initial values, respectively. A good correlation existed between the decrease of 59Fe in these three nonheme compartments and the associated increase in 59Fe-heme. The data presented suggest that cytosol ferritin, transferrin, and IBP-I are intermediates in the transport of 59Fe from the plasma membrane to the mitochondria.
Granulocyte aggregometry: a sensitive technique for the detection of C5a and complement activation
Authors: Hammerschmidt DE , Bowers TK , Lammi-Keefe CJ , Jacob HS , Craddock PR
Published: October 2019

We have previously shown that complement (C) activated plasma causes granulocyte (PMN) aggregation in vitro and that C5a is responsible. The C-induced aggregation of PMNs treated with cytochalasin-B (CB) is markedly enhanced and irreversible, and the magnitude of the response is proportional to the log (concentration of activated plasma), allowing use of this technique to detect C5a and hence C-activation. To compare the sensitivity of granulocyte aggregometry to that of more standard methods of detecting C-activation, we produced graded C- activation in vitro by treating fresh serum with varying amounts of zymosan. Aggregometry was the most sensitive index of C-activation, detecting C-activation, produced by 0.02 mg zymosan/ml of serum--1/10 that required to produce C-activation detectable by C3 immunoelectrophoresis (the next most sensitive technique). Granulocyte aggregometry may also be used to detect in vivo C-activation. We have found aggregating activity in plasmas from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, immune vasculitis, transfusion reactions, and other conditions associated with in vivo C-activation, but not in the plasmas of normal subjects.
Comparison of the hemagglutination inhibition assay kit for erythropoietin (ESF) with the fetal mouse liver cell bioassay in vitro
Authors: de Klerk G , Vet RJ , Rosengarten PC , Goudsmit R
Published: October 2019

The commercially available hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay kit for erythropoietin (ESF) was compared with the fetal mouse liver cell (FMLC) bioassay. No correlation was obtained ESF levels determined by both methods in a variety of pathologic sera. The HAI kit showed a great batch variability. Significant immunoreactivity was found in those fractions of a normal human serum and a human urinary ESF preparation that were not active in the FMLC bioassay. A very poor recovery of immunoreactivity was found when the international reference preparation for erythropoietin (second IRPE) was added to a normal human serum.
Effect of iron therapy on serum ferritin levels in iron-deficiency anemia
Authors: Wheby MS
Published: October 2019

The level of serum ferritin is a reliable indicator of body iron stores. Exceptions include liver disease, malignant diseases, and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. The latter was noted in iron- deficient infants who showed a rise of serum ferritin to normal levels in the first week of treatment. To evaluate this in adults, 14 patients with iron-deficiency anemia were studied prior to and after beginning treatment with oral ferrous sulfate in standard dose, 300 mg t.i.d., or double dose, 600 mg t.i.d. Serum ferritin was assayed by radioimmunoassay. No rise occurred in the first 3 wk in 5 patients treated with standard dose, although hematologic response occurred. With double dose, 7 of 9 showed a ferritin rise in 2 days with return to subnormal levels within 6 days of discontinuing iron. This study indicates that standard treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults does not cause a rise in serum ferritin until hemoglobin levels are normal. The early rise seen with double dose is most likely due to absorption of iron in excess of utilization for erythropoiesis resulting in temporary storage. When iron is discontinued, stores are rapidly depleted as reflected by the prompt decrease in serum ferritin.
Effect of hypertransfusion on bone marrow regeneration in sublethally irradiated mice. I. enhanced granulopoietic recovery
Authors: Smith PJ , Jackson CW , Dow LW , Edwards CC , Whidden MA
Published: October 2019

Hypertransfusion can enhance recovery from neutropenia in certain clinical and experimental situations. We have studied the pattern of myeloid recovery in mice hypertransfused after receiving 350 rads whole body irradiation. Both hypertransfused and control groups showed the degenerative phase, abortive rise, and regenerative phase that has been described following sublethal irradiation. The blood granulocyte counts in the hypertransfused group returned to normal more rapidly and were maintained at a significantly higher level during the regenerative phase. This difference is not the result of a shift in granulocytes from the marrow granulocyte reserve or marginal granulocyte pool to the circulating pool, but is associated with significantly enhanced bone marrow granulopoiesis. While the total bone marrow cellularity of the hypertransfused mice is less than that of the control mice, the hypertransfused group contains more CFU-GM and myeloid cells during the regenerative phase. The enhanced granulopoiesis is not due to increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) levels in the hypertransfused mice, as the CSA levels were significantly lower in this group compared to the controls prior to and during the initial phase of granulopoietic recovery. This study suggests that hypertransfusion increases the rate of recovery of myelopoiesis by increasing the number of precursors available for myeloid differentiation from an earlier stem cell compartment.
Effect of hypertransfusion on bone marrow regeneration in sublethally irradiated mice. II. Enhanced recovery of megakaryocytes and platelets
Authors: Smith PJ , Jackson CW , Whidden MA , Edwards CC
Published: October 2019

Hypertransfusion can enhance myeloid recovery after bone marrow depletion, but its influence on thrombopoietic recovery has not been previously defined. We have studied the pattern of platelet and megakaryocyte recovery in mice hypertransfused after receiving 350 rad whole body irradiation. The platelet counts of the hypertransfused group showing an initial fall due to hemodilution in the expanded blood volume and then fell to a lower nadir than that of the control mice. The rate of platelet recovery was more rapid in the hypertransfused mice. Bone marrow megakaryocyte concentrations in both groups showed a degenerative phase, abortive rise, and regenerative phase. The decrease in megakaryocytes was the same in both groups. The hypertransfused mice showed a greater abortive rise in megakaryocyte concentration preceded by the appearance of a greater number of large megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. However, the most striking effect of hypertransfusion was on megakaryocyte recovery. Although the time of onset of recovery was not different, the rate of recovery was approximately twice as rapid in the hypertransfused group. Administration of daily erythropoietin to hypertransfused mice abolished this more rapid recovery. Thus, the presence of a simultaneous demand for erythroid precursors does affect the rate of megakaryocyte regeneration. Just as the more rapid recovery of granulopoiesis following hypertransfusion may be clinically beneficial, the more rapid reconstitution of thrombopoiesis may also offer clinical advantage in some circcumstances.
Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-negative chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): a clonal disease with origin in a multipotent stem cell
Authors: Fialkow PJ , Jacobson RJ , Singer JW , Sacher RA , McGuffin RW , Neefe JR
Published: October 2019

It has been shown with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) mosaicism that Ph1-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a clonal disease that involves multipotent hematopoietic stem cells. We now report G-6-PD studies of a 79-yr-old woman with Ph1-negative CML. Equal amounts of B and A-type activities were found in nonhematopoietic tissues, indicating that the patient was heterozygous for G-6-PD. In contrast, only A-type G-6-PD was found in marrow cells, blood erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets and in granulocyte-monocyte and eosinophil colonies grown from blood mononuclear cells. Unlike most cases of PH1-positive CML, colony growth in this patient increased during blastic transformation and the colonies contained only immature monocytic cells. The data indicate that in this patient, Ph1-negative CML is similar to the Ph1-positive form of the disease in involvement of multipotent stem cells and probable clonal origin, but the two disorders differ in the rapidity with which they enter blastic transformation and in the pattern of granulocyte-monocyte colony growth at that time.
Electron microscopy of fibrin Paris I
Authors: Mosesson MW , Feldmann G , Menache D
Published: October 2019

Fibrinogen Paris I, a congenital fibrinogen abnormality, is characterized by delayed fibrin aggregation and poor clot retraction owing to the replacement of normal gamma-chains by mutant gamma-chains, which are termed gamma-Paris I. Available evidence indicates that the structural abnormality involves the amino acid sequence near the COOH- terminus of the mutant chain and probably includes the region containing the normal gamma-chain crosslinking site. Electron microscopy was carried out on Paris I fibrin. In place of the normally interwoven network of branching cross-striated fibers, negatively or positively contrasted Paris I fibrin was characterized by nonfibrous clumps of material connected by distince fibrous strands tending to be thinner and more irregular in width than normal fibrin. Most Paris I fibrin fibers tended to the aperiodic, although cross-striations were observed occasionally in negatively contrasted specimens and rarely in positively contrasted specimens. In addition, Paris I fibrin frequently showed relatively short, abruptly terminating fibers. The gross ultrastructural differences between normal and Paris I fibrin suggest that for fibrin assembly to take place normally, a region(s) in the fibrin molecule near to or possibly overlapping the COOH-terminal gamma- chain crosslinking site must be preserved or at least not sterically hindered.
Heavy-chain subclass of round antiplatelet IgG in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Hymes K , Schur PH , Karpatkin S
Published: October 2019

The gamma heavy-chain subclass of bound antiplatelet antibody was examined in six patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Monospecific antisera for gamma G1, gamma G2, gamma G3, and gamma G4 subclasses were employed in a “sandwich” technique, utilizing the binding of 126I-staphylococcal protein A. We have previously reported that serum antiplatelet antibody was restricted to be gamma G3 subclass in ATP. In contrast, all 4 IgG subclasses were found bound to platelets of ATP patients in the same distribution as that present in normal serum. It is suggested that the differences noted between serum antiplatelet IgG and platelet-bound IgG may represent different mechanisms of platelet injury.
Nodular histiocytic lymphoma: an aggressive nodular lymphoma with potential for prolonged disease-free survival
Authors: Osborne CK , Norton L , Young RC , Garvin AJ , Simon RM , Berard CW , Hubbard S , DeVita VT Jr
Published: October 2019

Nodular histiocytic lymphoma (NH) is uncommon, and its natural history is not well defined. Of 473 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, we found 16 (3.4%) with NH. Most patients (13/16) presented with pathologic stage (PS) III or IV disease, including 7 with liver involvement. One patient (PS III) was initially treated with cyclophosphamide alone, and 4 patients received only radiotherapy, and none were long-term survivors. Eleven patients received combination chemotherapy, and 8 achieved complete remission. Only one of these patients relapsed and died at 19 mo; the other 7 continue in complete remission without maintenance therapy with a minimum followup of 4.5 yr. The survival of the entire group of patients with NH is intermediate between that of the other nodular lymphomas and diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Nine of 16 patients had either a repeat lymph node biopsy during the course of their disease or lymph node examination at autopsy. Lymph node histology in the majority converted to a diffuse, less differentiated subtype of lymphoma. NH has a natural history similar to that of diffuse histiocytic lymphoma and should be approached with the same therapeutic strategy.
Hemoglobin synthesis in individual bursts from normal adult blood: all bursts and subcolonies synthesize G gamma-and A gamma-globin chains
Authors: Peschle C , Migliaccio G , Covelli A , Lettieri F , Migliaccio AR , Condorelli M , Comi P , Pozzoli ML , Giglioni B , Ottolenghi S , Cappellini MD , Polli E , Gianni AM
Published: October 2019

Gamma-globin chain synthesis has been evaluated in individual bursts and subcolonies that were generated by normal adult blood BFU-Es in methylcellulose cultures containing semipurified erythropoietin (Ep) and then analyzed via either isoelectric focusing (IEF) of globin chains or immunofluorescence techniques. At variance with previously reported results, based on plasma clot culture and immunofluorescence, all bursts and subcolonies analyzed synthesize gamma-globin chains. Identification of gamma-chains has been confirmed by preparative IEF of HbF, followed by either carboxymethylcellulose chromatography or IEF analysis of the resulting globin chains. In all bursts analyzed, the relative synthesis of the two types of gamma-globin chains (G gamma and A gamma) shows an adult ratio (i.e., approximately 1:1). The results obtained via IEF have been confirmed by immunofluorescence studies, which apparently showed presence of at least some HbF-positive cells within all scrutinized bursts or subcolonies. The significance of these studies is discussed in the light of current hypotheses on mechanism(s) underlying HbF synthesis in normal adults.
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Karpatkin S
Published: October 2019

Adult autoimmune throbocytopenic purpura (ATP) is a platelet disorder that develops in certain individuals with a genetic as well as sex (female) predisposition following an environment event (?viral). This results in the production of an IgG antiplatelet antibody capable of reacting with the host's platelets, as well as crossing the placenta. This leads to the rapid clearance and destruction of opsonized platelets by the reticuloendothelial system, particularly the spleen, by greater than tenfold the normal rate. Bound platelet IgG correlates with disease severity, whereas serum antiplatelet IgG does not. It has not been rigorously established whether bound platelet IgG is directed against a platelet antigen or represents an immune complex bound to the platelet Fc receptor. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence suggest that antiplatelet IgG binds directly to a platelet antigen(s). Megakaryocyte number, volume, and mass are increased commensurate with increased platelet turnover. Platelets of increased size, megathrombocytes, are noted on peripheral smear or via platelet volume distribution analysis. Megathrombocyte number is proporationate to megakarocyte number and to platelet turnover. Megathrombocyte diameter is inversely proportional to platelet survival. Antiplatelet antibody is also associated with qualitative platelet functional defects, which are indistinguishable from those noted with thrombopathia (i.e., apparent platelet release defect). Antibody-induced functional defects are probably more common than quantitative thrombocytopenic defects and may represent a significant portion of those women with the “easy bruising” syndrome and normal platelet count. Adults who develop ATP generally develop the chronic variety, which remains permanently with the patient. Treatment should be directed towards maintaining the patient free of purpura, not restoring the platelet count to normal. This can generally be accomplished with a platelet count of < 40,000/cu mm with patients having this disorder. Approximately 50% of patients respond to steroids by a significant elevation of platelet count and improvement of purpura. However, cessation of therapy results in eventual relapse if the disease is of the chronic variety. Splenectomy is successful in approximately 65–75% of patients, resulting in a restoration of the platelet count to normal or safe levels by removing a major source of platelet destruction as well as antibody production; platelet survival improves. At least 50% of patients “in remission” following steroids or splenectomy generally have a compensated thrombocytolytic state in which increased platelet production keeps up with increased platelet destruction. Antiplatelet IgG can often be found in the serum of these patients. Patients refractory to steroids and/or splenectomy present with a serious therapeutic problem. Immunosuppressive therapy is effective in approximately one-third of refractory patients, but often relapses occur, requiring maintenance therapy with potentially mutagenic drugs...
The variability of hemolysis in the cold agglutinin syndrome
Authors: Rosse WF , Adams JP
Published: October 2019

The amount of lysis effected by cold agglutinins is directly related to the ability of the antibody to initiate complement activation. This ability is modified by the concentration of antibody, its thermal amplitude (the highest temperature at which the antibody will react with the cell), the degree to which antibody fixation is modified by the presence of complement components (particularly C3) on the membrane, and the degree to which antibody, once fixed, is able to fix the components of complement. In vitro measurement of these factors correlates with the rate of hemolysis in vivo.
Prevention of degradation of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte proteins by diisopropylfluorophosphate
Authors: Amrein PC , Stossel TP
Published: October 2019

Proteases can complicate the characterization of proteins from cells, especially human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), which contain abundant neutral proteases. We tested the ability of agents to inhibit proteolysis, with special reference to the subunit polypeptides of the contractile proteins actin, myosin, and actin-binding protein (ABP). Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), O-phenanthroline, EGTA, EDTA, N- ethylmaleimide, alone or in combinations, failed to prevent extensive proteolysis of the PMN proteins during solubilization of cells with dodecyl sulfate. These inhibitors and also alpha-1-antitrypsin and soybean trypsin inhibitor similarly could not prevent proteolysis during homogenization of cells in cold isosomolar sucrose. Treatment of PMN with greater than or equal to mM diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) prior to solubilization or homogenization markedly inhibited proteolysis. PMSF and DFP were equally effective in inhibiting proteolysis in PMN extracts, suggesting that the efficacy of DFP may result from its permeation of intact cells and granules before barriers are disrupted by detergents or homogenization. Treatment of PMN with DFP under conditions inhibiting proteolysis did not affect their rate of phagocytosis. We recommend the use of DFP in future studies correlating functions and protein structure of PMN.
Hemin does not cause commitment of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells to terminal differentiation
Authors: Gusella JF , Weil SC , Tsiftsoglou AS , Volloch V , Neumann JR , Keys C , Housman DE
Published: October 2019

The effect of hemin on the differentiation program of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells has been investigated. While hemin treatment does induce increased levels of globin mRNA and hemoglobin, it fails to lead to other biochemical changes associated with MEL cell differentiation induced by DMSO and thioguanine. These include increased levels of the nuclear protein IP25 and of the enzyme cytidine deaminase. Clonal analysis of hemin-treated cells revealed that unlike other inducers, hemin does not cause a reprogramming of MEL cells to a specific limitation of proliferative capacity. These observations suggest that hemin differs from DMSO and thioguanine in that it exerts specific effects on globin expression in MEL cells without triggering commitment to the terminal differentiation program.
Hemoglobin switching in sheep: characteristics of BFU-E-derived colonies from fetal liver
Authors: Barker JE
Published: October 2019

Two types of erythroid colonies were generated in vitro from sheep fetal liver cells. The first type consisted of single colonies of 8–256 cells that were well hemoglobinized by 4 days; these are thought to originate from CFU-E. The second type consisted of macroscopic colonies composed of several subcolonies that matured between days 3 and 8 in vitro. At maturity, each contained 256 to > 1000 cells that formed a discrete macroscopic cluster. The macroscopic colonies, not previously described in sheep, are thought to be derived from BFU-E. The characteristics of sheep BFU-E were defined and the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, alpha 1, gamma 2) and HbC (alpha 2 beta 2) was compared in colonies derived from CFU-E or BFU-E. Bursts developed at erythropoietin (epo) concentrations as low as 0.1 U/ml, although the number observed increased with epo concentration up to 10 U/ml. The number of bursts observed was approximately proportional to the number of cells plated. As shown by thymidine suicide, approximately 50% of both the BFU e and CFU-E were in S-phase when obtained from the fetus. BFU-E were smaller and partially separable from CFU-E after sedimentation at unit gravity. The beta c/gamma synthetic ratio in colonies derived from BFU-E was greater than in CFU-E-derived colonies. These data suggest that the capacity for generation of erythroblasts making HbC is greater in the earlier or more primitive erythroid stem cells in fetal liver.
Localized and indolent myeloma
Authors: Alexanian R
Published: October 2019

Criteria were defined for recognizing 29 patients with a localized plasmacytoma of bone and 20 patients with an indolent variety of multiple myeloma in order to justify long-term follow-up without chemotherapy. All patients with indolent myeloma were asymptomatic from their low tumor mass disease, had a hemoglobin greater than 10 g/dl, and showed no more than 3 lytic bone lesions. The presence of more than 200 mg/day of Bence Jones protein was usually followed by disease progression within 2 yr. Serial assessments of myeloma protein level provided a useful index of changing tumor load and the need for chemotherapy. In patients with localized disease, radiotherapy usually reduced myeloma proteins markedly with subsequent disease control for many years, even though small serum peaks persisted. Chemotherapy for multiple myeloma was not required for a median of 8 yr in patients presenting with localized disease and of 3 yr in those with indolent myeloma. The additional survival from the start of drug treatment was similar to that of comparable patients treated promptly for overt multiple myeloma. The delay of chemotherapy until evidence of tumor progression did not affect the long-term outcome of patients with localized or indolent myeloma.
Participation of ADP in the binding of fibrinogen to thrombin- stimulated platelets
Authors: Plow EF , Marguerie GA
Published: October 2019

Thrombin and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) supported the binding of 125I- fibrinogen to washed human platelets with similar kinetics and affinity. Platelet secretion, as measured by 14C-serotonin release, and fibrinogen binding exhibited an identical dependence on thrombin concentration. Enzymatic removal of ADP with apyrase or creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK) from thrombin-stimulated platelets markedly inhibited 125I-fibrinogen binding, but pretreatment of platelets with CP/CPK prior to thrombin stimulation was without effect. Thus, ADP, released from the platelet, participates in the binding of fibrinogen to thrombin-stimulated platelets.
Bone marrow participates in the biosynthesis of human transcobalamin II
Authors: Frater-Schroder M , Nissen C , Gmur J , Kierat L , Hitzig WH
Published: October 2019

Studies concerning the site of synthesis of the vitamin B12 binding serum protein, transcobalamin II, have been done in various mammalian animals. The actual site of biosynthesis in man has not yet been defined. The finding that bone marrow derived cells release apo- transcobalamin II in the mouse led us to examine the genetic patterns of transcobalamin II in man, both before and after marrow transplantation. A gradual but incomplete transformation of the recipient's transcobalamin II type into donor's type, corresponding to 75% or less of the total activity, was registered in 4 cases. Surprisingly, persistent host-type TC II, in spite of different donor type, was observed in 4 further marrow recipients. We conclude that hematopoietic cells transferred with the transplanted marrow participate in the biosynthesis of human transcobalamin II.
Low molecular weight nonheme iron and a highly labeled heme pool in the reticulocyte
Authors: Pollack S , Campana T
Published: October 2019

The ligands that bind iron and heme in reticulocyte and may regulate their distribution are not known. Guinea pig reticulocyte hemolysates were labeled with 59Fe and filtered through molecular weight sieving columns. 59Fe-containing peaks of ferritin, transferrin, and hemoglobin were identified, as well as a low molecular weight peak containing predominantly nonheme iron, and a 17,000 mol wt heme containing peak with a specific activity (59Fe/heme) 20-fold greater than hemoglobin. We note that the low molecular weight peak, the existence of which has been postulated, has been identified for the first time without the addition of a chelating agent. We speculate that the 17,000 mol wt peak is an alpha-chain pool.
Glycosylated hemoglobin A2 components
Authors: Tegos C , Beutler E
Published: October 2019

Partially purified hemoglobin A2 has been examined for the existence of glycosylated components by isoelectric focusing and by acid agar gel electrophoresis. Bands analogous to the glycohemoglobin derivatives of hemoglobin A, hemoglobin-A1.a.b.c, were readily detected. Evidence that these minor bands are in fact glycohemoglobins was obtained by showing that 14C-glucose bound to hemoglobin A2 moved with these minor bands. The amounts of glycohemoglobin derivatives of hemoglobin A2 were increased in the blood of diabetic patients.
Nonrandom chromosomal aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed by polyclonal B-cell-mitogen stimulation
Authors: Gahrton G , Robert KH , Friberg K , Zech L , Bird AG
Published: October 2019

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 11 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were stimulated by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia (LPS), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Chromosome analysis with the Q-banding technique after 5 days incubation revealed an extra chromosome 12 in 5 of the patients and a translocation between chromosome 11 and chromosome 14 in 1. Two patients had a deletion of chromosome 6, and only 3 patients had a normal karyotype. In most patients, the abnormalities were found in the majority of metaphases after stimulation with EBV, LPS, or both mitogens, while PHA revealed a normal karyotype, with the exception of a total of 4 metaphases in 3 patients. An extra chromosome 12 appears to be specifically associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in this disease appears to be much higher than has previously been thought.
Stimulation of eosinophil production in vitro by eosinophilopoietin and spleen-cell-derived eosinophil growth-stimulating factor
Authors: Bartelmez SH , Dodge WH , Mahmoud AA , Bass DA
Published: October 2019

Eosinophilopoietin (EPP) was previously characterized by the ability to stimulate eosinophil production in vivo, but these studies could not ascertain whether EPP had a direct effect on the bone marrow or acted indirectly by causing release of eosinophilopoietic activity by other tissues. The present studies demonstrate that EPP stimulates eosinophil growth in liquid culture of mouse bone marrow in vitro. The timing of stimulation by EPP in vivo and in vitro were parallel, with maximal eosinophil growth after 48 hr. Moreover, EPP appears similar to, and possible identical with, the eosinophil growth-stimulating substance (EO-GSF) released by antigenic stimulation of immune nonadherent spleen cells. Both EPP and EO-GSF are of low molecular weight, both produce stimulation of eosinophil growth with identical kinetics, and both produced similar dose-response curves in the liquid culture system.
Morphometry of human leukocytes
Authors: Schmid-Schonbein GW , Shih YY , Chien S
Published: October 2019

In order to establish quantitative models of leukocyte functions, several morphometric parameters on individual white cells are needed. These include the diameter, volume, and membrane area of the cells and their nuclei in the undeformed state. A stereologic method was used to obtain these quantities from transmission electron microscopy of random sections through human white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils). In order to estimate possible artifacts due to preparation of the cells for transmission electron microscopy, a detailed comparison with light microscopy was made. The results show that undeformed white cells in isotonic solution are spherical with many membrane foldings and have a significantly smaller diameter than that measured on blood smears. A method of chemical fixation was employed so that the shrinkage due to fixation of the cells is below the resolution of light microscopic measurements. Further, it was shown that all leukocytes, including lymphocytes, have much more membrane area than is needed to cover their volumes, and this membrane area remains constant when the cell is hypotonically swollen.
Use of spleen organ cultures to monitor hemopoietic progenitor cell regeneration following irradiation and marrow transplantation
Authors: von Melchner H , Metcalf D , Mandel TE
Published: October 2019

After lethal irradiation of C57BL mice followed by the injection of 10(7) marrow cells, total cellularity and progenitor cell levels exceeded pretreatment levels within 12 days in the spleen, but regeneration remained incomplete in the marrow. The exceptional regenerative capacity of progenitor populations in the spleen was observed in organ cultures of spleen slices prepared 24 hr after irradiation and transplantation, excluding continuous repopulation from the marrow as a significant factor in splenic regeneration.
Crotalocytin: characterization of the timber rattlesnake platelet activating protein
Authors: Schmaier AH , Colman RW
Published: October 2019

Crotalocytin, a platelet activating protein from timber rattlesnake venom, was studied to characterize its nature and to investigate its action on platelets. It exhibited proteolytic activity on the substrate azocoll and amidolytic activity on several peptide p-nitroanilides. The platelet activating and amidolytic activity of Crotalocytin was inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate. In addition, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibited Crotalocytin's ability to stimulate platelets. Active site titration with p-nitrophenyl guanidobenzoate indicated that 52% of Crotalocytin's molecules were active and that the enzyme could also hydrolyze the titrant. These studies showed that Crotalocytin is a serine protease. Like thrombin and collagen, Crotalocytin induced simultaneous platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion. EDTA and prostaglandin E (PGE1) blocked Crotalocytin's ability to activate platelets; hirudin and antithrombin III did not. Crotalocytin stimulated the secretion of serotonin from dense granules and low affinity platelet factor 4 and fibrinogen from alpha-granules. Crotalocytin did not cause platelet lactic dehydrogenase loss or agglutinate formalin-fixed platelets, but it did aggregate chymotrypsin-treated platelets. Studies with antimycin A and 2 deoxy- D-glucose showed that Crotalocytin-induced platelet secretion was dependent on metabolic energy. Furthermore, Crotalocytin's induction of platelet secretion was prevented by eliminating exogenous ADP and blocking activation of the arachidonate pathway. Timber rattlesnake venom contains a serine protease that is unique, potent platelet activator.
Quantitation of hemoglobins within individual red cells: asynchronous biosynthesis of fetal and adult hemoglobin during erythroid maturation in normal subjects
Authors: Dover GJ , Boyer SH
Published: October 2019

We outline a method for estimating either HbF or HbA content in single erythrocytes and their precursors. Our method depends on microphotometric assay of darkfield reflectance arising from individual pericellular immunoprecipitates developed with anti-HbF or anti-HbA. When uniform-diameter latex microspheres were used to normalize comparisons between preparations, mean coefficient of variation for HbF reflectance among separate preparations of the same sample was < 3%. Reflectance is a faithful (r = 0.99) linear function of the logarithm of picograms per cell in samples with known HbF or HbA content. The following features emerged from such analyses. First, despite the use of antigenically-specific antihemoglobins from different sources, the least detectable quantity of HbF (3.2 pg) and HbA (14.8 pg) remained invariant. Second, these detection thresholds depends on antihemoglobin affinity constants but are little influenced by antibody concentration. Third, our procedure is equally valid for persons with normal HbF constant (mean +/- SD = 4.4 +/- 0.3 pg per cell, 15 subjects) and for those with much higher levels. Fourth, like the percentage of HbF- bearing cells, HbF content is usually unchanging in serial samples. Fifth, the utility of the method is evidenced in bone marrow analyses of five hematologically normal persons in whom HbF content, unlike HbA content, remained constant throughout maturation from erythroblasts to erythrocytes. In vivo HbF biosynthesis is thus normally completed long before HbA production.
Organization of alpha-globin genes in Hb Hasharon (alpha 47 asp replaced by his) carriers
Authors: Giglioni B , Comi P , Taramelli R , Ottolenghi S , Ciocca-Vasino MA , Ane C , Cappellini MD , Gianni AM
Published: October 2019

Restriction enzymes analysis of the DNA from two unrelated Italian families with Hb Hasharon, a variant Hb (alpha 47asp replaced by his) frequently occurring in the Polesine area in Italy, indicates that this variant is associated to an alpha globin gene deletion. The alpha Hash genotype most likely results from a mutation on an alpha thal2 genotype.
"Aspirinated" platelets are hemostatic in thrombocytopenic rats with "nonaspirinated" vessel walls--evidence from an exchange transfusion model
Authors: Dejana E , Barbieri B , de Gaetano G
Published: October 2019

The contrasting effects of aspirin on bleeding time (BT) might be related to the drug's inhibitory activity on platelets and vascular prostaglandin I2 (PGI2). To test this, we developed an exchange transfusion model in the rat and studied the BT in animals whose platelets but not vessels had been exposed to aspirin. Rats with severe experimental thrombocytopenia were exchange-transfused with blood from normocythemic rats pretreated with aspirin 6 hr before. The platelet count was raised from 2% to about 70% of basal level and the BT returned to control values even though the platelets neither responded to arachidonic acid nor produced detectable amounts of malondialdehyde and vascular PGI2 was not inhibited. These results indicate that “aspirinated” platelets may be hemostatically active and that the BT is not necessarily affected by unbalanced prostaglandin production in platelets and the vessell wall.
Quantitative immunoferritin microscopy of Fya, Fyb, Jka, U, and Dib antigen site numbers on human red cells
Authors: Masouredis SP , Sudora E , Mahan L , Victoria EJ
Published: October 2019

The Fya, Fyb, Jka, U, and Dib antigen site numbers and ultrastructural distribution patterns on the human erythrocyte membrane were determined using quantitative immunoferritin microscopy. For homozygous antigen- positive red cells, the average number of determinants per red cell was about 14,000 for Jka, 17,000 for Fya and Fyb, 19,000 for Dib, and 23,000 for the U antigen, assuming that the equilibrium binding observed represented 80% saturation of the accessible antigen sites. The site numbers for this group of antigens were less than that for the Rh antigens, but considerably more than the Kell and Cellano antigens. The technique used was capable of demonstrating a twofold difference in antigen density between heterozygous and homozygous Fy (a+) red cells. More than 85% of the Fya and Fyb antigen sites were lost following pretreatment of the red cells with papain, consistent with the serologic lability of the Fy antigens following proteolysis. The ferritin distribution observed following conjugate staining of antibody- sensitized ghost membranes was similar for all five antigens studied and showed a random, clustered ferritin pattern. Although the quantitative estimates are valid, the remarkable similarity in antigen distribution pattern for this diverse group of antigens, as well as other considerations, suggest that the findings with ghose membranes probably do not reflect faithfully the antigen arrangement on the intact red cell membrane.
Anti-inhibitor Coagulant Complex (Autoplex) for treatment of factor VIII inhibitors in hemophilia
Authors: Abildgaard CF , Penner JA , Watson-Williams EJ
Published: October 2019

Fourteen individuals with severe hemophilia complicated by factor VIII inhibitors (1 to 132 Bethesda Units) were treated for 33 bleeding episodes with a new activated prothrombin complex concentrate, Anti- Inhibitor Coagulant Complex (Autoplex, Hyland, Glendale, Calif.). Excellent or good results were observed in 21 of 25 minor bleeding episodes treated, which included joint, soft tissue, and mucous membrane hemorrhages. Eight major bleeding problems (an epidural bleed, a puncture wound, 2 serious soft tissue hemorrhages, 2 lacerations, and 2 major surgical procedures) were treated with excellent (6) or good (2) results. No serious complications were encountered, but two children developed transient hypofibrinogenemia following Autoplex infusion. Although some shortening of the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time was noted after infusion of Autoplex, there is no useful laboratory test for monitoring therapy. Despite the unknown mechanism of action for bypassing factor VIII, Autoplex appears to be a useful and needed interim product and is safe and effective. In view of the possible potentiation of thrombosis concurrent use of fibrinolytic inhibitors should be avoided.