Abstract
SummaryNcopterin, a precursor of biopterin, is released by macrophages during allogeneic response and in vitro data suggest that the release of γ -interferon by the T-cell triggers neopterin excretion. In order to determine the clinical relevance of serum neopterin levels, serial serum samples of seven allogeneic bone marrow recipients were measured by a radioimmunoassay and evaluated retrospectively. As reported by others, very high levels of neopterin: ± 100 nMol/L (n: < 10) are observed in patients with graft-versus host-disease (GVHD) or when severe viral infection occured and in all cases, the rise of neopterin level preceeded and/or correlated with the clinical manifestations. The reappearance of leukemic blasts was also associated with rising neopterin level, but the value never reached 50 nMol/L. Although neopterin as a marker is not specific for any of these complications, its daily evaluation allows to identify patients at risk for major clinical complications. Moreover, the striking increase of...
Published Version
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