Monocytoid Leukemia Cell Research Articles

Expression of β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases during differentiation of human acute myeloid leukemia cells

The expressions of β1,3-N-acetylglucosamonyltransferase-2 and -8 (β3GnT-2, β3GnT-8),-the two main glycosyltransferases responsible for the synthesis of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (polyLacNAc) in glycans, and β3GnT-5 participating in the syntheses of sphingoglycolipids were studied in leukemia cell lines during differentiation using RT-PCR method. β3GnT-2 and β3GnT-8 distribute widely in six myeloid and monocytoid leukemia cell lines with different abundances, while β3GnT-4 was only present in NB4 cells. ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which induce the differentiation of HL-60 and NB4 (two human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines) to myelocytic lineage, up-regulated these two enzymes with various degrees at 2 and 72 h of treatment. In HL-60 cells treated with ATRA, the increase of β3GnT-8 was more than β3GnT-2, while in NB4 cells treated with DMSO, the increase of β3GnT-2 was more than β3GnT-8. However, when HL-60 and NB4 were differentiated to monocytic lineage induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate the expressions of β3GnT-2 and β3GnT-8 showed no alterations or the increase of expressions was far less than those in myelocytic differentiation. By means of FITC-labeled tomato lectin affinity staining and flow-cytometry, it was found that the product of β3GnT-2 and -8, polyLacNAc was also increased on the cell surface of HL-60 and NB4 treated with ATRA or DMSO, but unchanged when treated with PMA. These results were in accordance with the up-regulation of the mRNAs of β3GnT-2 and -8. The expression of β3GnT-5, however, was not changed both in myelocytic and monocytic differentiations. The difference in the up-regulation of β3GnT-2 and -8, especially their products may become a useful index to discriminate the myelocytic and monocytic differentiation of leukemia cells.

Identification of a Novel Auto-Antibody Highly Prevalent in Patients with Hepatitis-Associated and Idiopathic Aplastic Anemia.

Abstract 3200Poster Board III-137Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAA) is a subset of acquired AA that is highly responsive to immunosuppressive therapy. The target antigens of the immune system attack in HAA are thought to be a protein shared by both liver and hematopoietic stem cells, since it is usually associated with severe hepatitis of unknown etiology. Screening sera from patients with HAA for the presence of antibodies (Abs) recognizing liver cell-derived proteins may be useful in identifying novel auto-antigens in AA. To test this hypothesis, sera from HAA patients were examined using immunoblotting with a lysate of a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 and subsequent peptide mass fingerprinting. Methods and ResultsThe serum of a patient with typical HAA (a 23 year-old male) possessing a small population of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)-type cells was used for Western blotting (WB) with the lysates of Huh7. A distinct band of 70 kDa protein was revealed. The same band was revealed when the culture supernatant of Huh7 cells was subjected to WB. The peptide mass fingerprinting of the 70 kDa band identified this protein to be heat shock protein (HSP) 72. HSP72 is a stress-inducible protein and extracellular HSP72 enhances the cytotoxicity of CD4+ T cells and NK cells. An examination of the sera from HAA patients, idiopathic acquired AA (IAA) patients and healthy individuals with WB revealed the anti-HSP72 Abs to be detected in 10 of 12 (83%) HAA patients and in 57 of 80 (71%) IAA patients while it was detected only in 8 of 59 (14%) healthy individuals. The prevalence of anti-HSP72 Abs in AA was markedly higher than that of anti-kinectin Abs (39%), anti-PMS1 Abs (10%), anti-DRS-1 Abs (38%) or anti-moesin Abs (37%) reported previously. Anti-HSP72 Abs were frequently detectable both in patients with IAA possessing PNH-type cells (63%) and in patients without PNH-type cells (86%), a finding contrasting to the higher prevalence of anti-DRS-1 Abs and anti-moesin Abs in patients with PNH-type cells than in those without PNH-type cells reported previously. Although anti-HSP72 Abs were detectable in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, the prevalence was 15% (4 of 27) and 20% (1 of 5), respectively. In contrast to a previous report that detected anti-HSP72 Abs in 24% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, WB failed to detect the Abs in the sera of 4 patients with autoimmune hepatitis and 5 with hepatitis B or C. Ten patients with HAA were treated with immunosuppressive therapy, and 7 of the 8 responders expressed anti-HSP72 Abs. The quantification of the gene expression level of HSP72 by blood cells using real-time PCR demonstrated that the HSP72 mRNA levels were markedly higher in myeloid leukemia cell lines as well as CD34+ cells isolated from 3 healthy individuals in comparison to that in lymphoid or monocytoid leukemia cell lines. HSP72/GAPDH ratios of PBMCs and CD34+ cells from 3 healthy individuals, K562, KH88, OUN-1 were 0.51, 1.31, 1.02, 0.07 and 0.09 respectively. Other leukemia cell lines such as Daudi, Molt-4 and THP-1 did not display detectable levels of HSP72 mRNA. The cell surface expression of HSP72 was examined in various kinds of leukemia cell lines and CD34+ bone marrow (BM) cells derived from 3 healthy individuals using Ab to HSP72 (Clone C92F3A-5) because previous studies demonstrated heat-inducible expression of HSP72 by K562. Flow cytometry detected cell surface HSP72 on immature CML cell lines such as K562 but not on CD34+ BM cells, acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines such as NB-4 and HL-60, and lymphoid leukemia cell lines such as Molt-4 and Daudi. Exposure to 42°C for 2 h increased the HSP72 expression on K562 cells and Molt-4 cells but not on CD34+ cells. ConclusionAnti-HSP72 Ab is the most prevalent auto-Ab in AA among the auto-Abs previously detected. Given the increased expression of HSP72 by immature myeloid cells as well as stress-inducible cell surface expression of the molecule, immune responses to HSP72 may thus play an essential role in the pathogenesis of HAA and IAA. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Anti-carcinoma Activity of Polyphenolic Extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens

Dietary polyphenol antioxidants are known to decrease the risk of many diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases [1]. In this study polyphenolic extract (PPE) of leaves of Ichnocarpus frutescens was evaluated for antitumor activity in vivo. Murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model was used to assess PPE antitumor activity in vivo [2]. PPE cytotoxicity was determined in vitro in U-937 monocytoid leukemia and K-562 erythroleukemia cell lines. The total phenolics content was quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method [3]. Results of in vivo study showed a significant decrease in tumor volume, viable tumor cell count and a significant increase of life span in the PPE treated group compared to untreated one: the life span of PPE treated animals increased by 53.41% (50 mg PPE/kg) and 73.95% (100 mg PPE/kg). PPE (5, 10 and 20 µg/mL) effectively inhibits in vitro proliferation of U-937 and K-562 cell lines. The in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of PPE from Ichnocarpus frutescens could be due to rich polyphenols and flavonoids [4]. Acknowledgements: All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), Government of India, New Delhi, India is greatly acknowledged.

Impact of cytidine deaminase activity on intrinsic resistance to cytarabine in carcinoma cells

Cytarabine (araC) is a highly active antimetabolite against hematological malignancy while the agent shows limited activity against carcinomas. In this study, we focused on cellular transport and catalysis of the nucleoside in order to elucidate the mechanism of intrinsic resistance to araC in carcinomas. Activities of two metabolizing enzymes for araC, deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) and cytidine deaminase (CDA), and cellular transport of the agent were examined in 9 carcinoma cell lines. These variables in carcinoma lines were compared with those in 14 araC-sensitive leukemia lines and one leukemia line with acquired resistance. The mean IC50 in 9 carcinoma lines was 3 x 10(3)-fold higher than that in 14 leukemia lines (4.6 x 10(3) vs. 1.3 microM, p<0.01). A cell line with acquired resistance (U937R), which was established from U937 monocytoid leukemia cells, showed more than 10(3)-fold higher IC50 than the parent cells (1.6 x 10(3) vs. 1.3 microM). The resistance in carcinomas was associated with higher CDA activity and lower influx when compared to araC sensitive leukemias. Especially, these two types of malignant cell lines were clearly distinguished by CDA activity. The acquired resistance in U937R cells was followed by increase in cytidine deaminase (CDA) activity, decrease in DCK activity and decrease in influx of the drug. In conclusion, carcinomas are intrinsically resistant to cytarabine through high CDA activity and low cellular transport, but not low DCK activity. This finding suggests that treatment of carcinoma with deoxycytidine analogues should conquer the high CDA activity.

A Novel Therapeutic Strategy Against Monocytic Leukemia with Deoxyadenosine Analogs and Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitors

The adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2′-deoxycoformycin (dCF) significantly inhibits the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cells in the presence of either 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo) or its analog adenine arabinoside (araA). The concentration of dCF required to induce apoptosis of monocytoid leukemia cells is much lower than that required for myeloid, erythroid, or lymphoma cells. dATP effectively induces caspase-3 activation in cytosol from monocytoid cells, but not in that from non-monocytoid cells, suggesting that dATP-dependent caspase-3 activation is involved in the preferential induction of apoptosis in monocytoid leukemia cells. Athymic nude mice inoculated with human monocytoid leukemia U937 cells show significantly prolonged survival following combined treatment with dCF and araA. The clinical usefulness of the combination of adenosine deaminase inhibitor and dAdo analog is discussed.

Antileukemic efficacy of 2′-deoxycoformycin in monocytic leukemia cells

Abstract2′-Deoxycoformycin (dCF) as a single agent has been reported to be less effective against myeloid than against lymphoid malignancies in clinical trials. However, previous studies have shown that in the presence of 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAd), human monocytoid leukemia cell lines are much more sensitive to dCF with regard to the inhibition of cell proliferation. Thus, dCF might be useful for treating monocytoid leukemia with the aid of dAd analogs. The antiproliferative effects of dCF in combination with dAd or its derivatives were examined on normal and malignant blood and bone marrow cells. In the presence of 10 μmol/L dAd, the concentration of dCF required to inhibit the viability of primary monocytoid leukemia cells was much lower than that required to inhibit normal or non-monocytoid leukemic cells. Among the dAd analogs, 9-β-d-arabinofuranosyladenine (AraA) was also effective in combination with dCF. Athymic nude mice were inoculated with human monocytoid leukemia U937 cells and treated with dCF or a dAd analog or both. Although dCF alone slightly but significantly prolonged the survival of mice inoculated with U937 cells, combined treatment with dCF and AraA markedly prolonged their survival. These data suggest that the combination of dCF and AraA may be useful for the clinical treatment of acute monocytic leukemia.

Antileukemic efficacy of 2′-deoxycoformycin in monocytic leukemia cells

2′-Deoxycoformycin (dCF) as a single agent has been reported to be less effective against myeloid than against lymphoid malignancies in clinical trials. However, previous studies have shown that in the presence of 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAd), human monocytoid leukemia cell lines are much more sensitive to dCF with regard to the inhibition of cell proliferation. Thus, dCF might be useful for treating monocytoid leukemia with the aid of dAd analogs. The antiproliferative effects of dCF in combination with dAd or its derivatives were examined on normal and malignant blood and bone marrow cells. In the presence of 10 μmol/L dAd, the concentration of dCF required to inhibit the viability of primary monocytoid leukemia cells was much lower than that required to inhibit normal or non-monocytoid leukemic cells. Among the dAd analogs, 9-β-d-arabinofuranosyladenine (AraA) was also effective in combination with dCF. Athymic nude mice were inoculated with human monocytoid leukemia U937 cells and treated with dCF or a dAd analog or both. Although dCF alone slightly but significantly prolonged the survival of mice inoculated with U937 cells, combined treatment with dCF and AraA markedly prolonged their survival. These data suggest that the combination of dCF and AraA may be useful for the clinical treatment of acute monocytic leukemia.

Vidarabine and 2-Deoxycoformycin as Antileukemic Agents Against Monocytic Leukemia

Although 2″-deoxycoformycin (dCF) has been reported in clinical trials to be less effective against myeloid than lymphoid malignancies, it may be useful for treating monocytic leukemia with the aid of 2″-deoxyadenosine (dAd) analogs. In the presence of 10 μM dAd, the concentration of dCF required to inhibit the viability of monocytoid leukemia cells was much lower than that required on normal or non-monocytoid malignant cells in primary culture. Among the dAd analogs, 9-β-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (AraA) was also effective in combination with dCF. Although dCF alone slightly but significantly prolonged the survival of mice inoculated with U937 monocytic leukemia cells, combined treatment with dCF and AraA markedly prolonged the survival. These results suggest that the combination of dCF and AraA may be useful for the clinical treatment of acute monocytic leukemia.

Myeloid and monocytoid leukemia cells have different sensitivity to differentiation-inducing activity of deoxyadenosine analogs

The differentiation-inducing effect of clinically applicable analogs of deoxyadenosine on myelomonocytic leukemia cells was examined. Monocytoid leukemia cells were more sensitive to the analogs than were erythroid or myeloid leukemia cells based on the inhibition of cell growth and induction of cell differentiation. Monocytoid leukemia cells were highly sensitive to combined treatment with 2′-deoxycoformycin (dCF) and 9-β- d-arabinofuranosyladenine (Ara A) for inducing cell differentiation. Ara A induced the differentiation of monocytoid leukemia U937 and THP-1 cells at concentrations which were 1/1000–10 000 of that at which it induced the differentiation of other cell lines in the presence of dCF. In combination with a low concentration of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (VD 3), the induction of the monocytic differentiation was greater in monoblastic U937 cells. Adenosine deaminase-resistant analogs such as fludarabine (FLU) and cladribine (CdA) also induced the differentiation of human myelomonocytic leukemia cells, and these analogs synergistically enhanced the differentiation induced by all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or VD 3. CdA was the most potent analog for inducing the differentiation of myeloid leukemia NB4 and HL-60 cells in the presence or absence of ATRA. These findings indicate that dCF+Ara A and CdA may be effective for the therapy of acute monocytoid and myeloid leukemia, respectively.

Human Monocytoid Leukemia Cells Are Highly Sensitive to Apoptosis Induced by 2′-Deoxycoformycin and 2′-Deoxyadenosine: Association With dATP-Dependent Activation of Caspase-3

The adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitor 2′-deoxycoformycin (dCF) significantly inhibits the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. When cells were incubated in the presence of both dCF and 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAd), the concentration of dCF required to induce apoptosis of monocytoid leukemia cells was much lower than that required for myeloid, erythroid, or lymphoma cell lines. Among the cell lines tested, U937 cells were the most sensitive to this treatment. The concentration of dCF that effectively inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells was 1/1,000 of that required for lymphoma cell lines, on a molar basis. However, the uptake of dCF or dAd in U937 cells was comparable with that in other leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. The intracellular accumulation of dATP in U937 cells was only slightly higher than that in other leukemia cells in dCF-treated culture. Treatment with dCF plus dAd induced apoptosis in U937 cells at low concentrations, and this apoptosis was reduced by treatment with caspase inhibitors. Induction of caspase-3 (CPP32) activity accompanied the apoptosis induced by dCF plus dAd. No activation of CPP32 was observed in cytosol prepared from exponentially growing leukemia and lymphoma cells. However, dATP effectively induced CPP32 activation in cytosol from monocytoid cells, but not in that from nonmonocytoid cells, suggesting that dATP-dependent CPP32 activation is at least partly involved in the preferential induction of apoptosis in monocytoid leukemia cells. The combination of dCF and dAd may be useful for the clinical treatment of acute monocytic leukemia.© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Human Monocytoid Leukemia Cells Are Highly Sensitive to Apoptosis Induced by 2′-Deoxycoformycin and 2′-Deoxyadenosine: Association With dATP-Dependent Activation of Caspase-3

AbstractThe adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitor 2′-deoxycoformycin (dCF) significantly inhibits the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. When cells were incubated in the presence of both dCF and 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAd), the concentration of dCF required to induce apoptosis of monocytoid leukemia cells was much lower than that required for myeloid, erythroid, or lymphoma cell lines. Among the cell lines tested, U937 cells were the most sensitive to this treatment. The concentration of dCF that effectively inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells was 1/1,000 of that required for lymphoma cell lines, on a molar basis. However, the uptake of dCF or dAd in U937 cells was comparable with that in other leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. The intracellular accumulation of dATP in U937 cells was only slightly higher than that in other leukemia cells in dCF-treated culture. Treatment with dCF plus dAd induced apoptosis in U937 cells at low concentrations, and this apoptosis was reduced by treatment with caspase inhibitors. Induction of caspase-3 (CPP32) activity accompanied the apoptosis induced by dCF plus dAd. No activation of CPP32 was observed in cytosol prepared from exponentially growing leukemia and lymphoma cells. However, dATP effectively induced CPP32 activation in cytosol from monocytoid cells, but not in that from nonmonocytoid cells, suggesting that dATP-dependent CPP32 activation is at least partly involved in the preferential induction of apoptosis in monocytoid leukemia cells. The combination of dCF and dAd may be useful for the clinical treatment of acute monocytic leukemia.© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Persistence of plasmin‐mediated pro‐urokinase activation on the surface of human monocytoid leukemia cells In Vitro

Human leukemia cell lines, unlike those from adherent tumors, have been shown to continuously activate the pro-urokinase (pro-u-PA) they produce. In the present study we found that, in normal cell-culture conditions in 10% FCS the plasminogen activation cascade works continuously on monocytoid leukemia cells, which expressed plasmin activity and active u-PA on their cell surface. This plasmin catalyzed the conversion of the produced pro-u-PA to active 2-chain urokinase (tcu-PA), and was derived from bovine serum plasminogen by the activity of cell-bound tcu-PA. Plasmin generation was abolished and pro-u-PA accumulated in cell cultures that were grown for several days, either in the presence of serum thoroughly depleted of plasminogen, or in the presence of 1 mM tranexamic acid. Plasmin generated on the cell surface was found to be present in 2 enzymatically active fragments, of M(r) 85,000 and M(r) 50,000, which were slowly released into the growth medium. These fragments could activate pro-u-PA in serum-free growth medium. Most of the bound plasmin could be washed off cells with 10 mM tranexamic acid, but complete removal of plasmin from the cell surface required washing of the cells with acid-glycine pH 3.0.

Synthesis of active metabolite(s) from 1α-hydroxyvitamin D 3 by human monocytic leukemia cells

Synthesis of the biologically active metabolite(s) from 1α-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (1α(OH)D 3) was examined in various types of human leukemia cell lines. Untreated monocytoid leukemia cells (U937 and HE/S) metabolized 1α(OH)D 3 to the active metabolite(s), possibly 1α,24- and/or 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3, and these cells were efficiently induced to differentiate by treatment with 1α(OH)D 3. However, the other types of leukemia cells did not efficiently metabolize it and were not induced to differentiate by 1α(OH)D 3. The possible therapeutic advantage of 1α(OH)D 3 in the treatment of monocytic leukemia is discussed.

Differentiation-Associated Expression of Prostaglandin H and Thromboxane A Synthases in Monocytoid Leukemia Cell Lines

To elucidate the differentiation-associated expression of enzymes catalyzing arachidonic acid metabolism, we measured arachidonate metabolites by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography in monocytoid leukemia (ML-1, THP-1, and U937) and myeloid leukemia (KG-1) cell lines. Undifferentiated ML-1 or THP-1 cells produced trace amounts of eicosanoids via the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways. Upon differentiation induced by phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA]), metabolites via the COX pathway were increased by 100-fold in ML-1 and THP-1 cells, while the LOX products remained barely detectable. All the COX metabolites were elevated, but thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formation was threefold higher in ML-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. Similar time-related increases in COX metabolites were observed in THP-1 cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid. Undifferentiated U937 cells were capable of generating a much higher quantity of COX products than ML-1 or THP-1 cells, but, upon PMA-induced differentiation, COX products were increased by only two-fold to threefold over the undifferentiated cells and the total COX products in differentiated U937 cells were only one-seventh of those produced by differentiated ML-1 or THP-1 cells. KG-1 cells had an entirely different metabolic profile. They produced a large quantity of a metabolite coeluted with prostaglandin D2, and PMA had no effect on inducing changes in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Increased COX metabolite formation in differentiated THP-1 and ML-1 cells was due to an enhanced level of prostaglandin H synthase enzyme mass, as measured by Western blot analysis. The TXA synthase activity was also increased by approximately 100-fold in PMA-induced ML-1 cells and 10-fold in THP-1 cells. These findings indicate that increased expression of prostaglandin H and TXA synthase enzymes is a feature of differentiated monocytoid leukemia cell lines.

Differentiation-associated expression of prostaglandin H and thromboxane A synthases in monocytoid leukemia cell lines

To elucidate the differentiation-associated expression of enzymes catalyzing arachidonic acid metabolism, we measured arachidonate metabolites by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography in monocytoid leukemia (ML-1, THP-1, and U937) and myeloid leukemia (KG-1) cell lines. Undifferentiated ML-1 or THP-1 cells produced trace amounts of eicosanoids via the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways. Upon differentiation induced by phorbol ester (phorbol 12- myristate 13-acetate [PMA]), metabolites via the COX pathway were increased by 100-fold in ML-1 and THP-1 cells, while the LOX products remained barely detectable. All the COX metabolites were elevated, but thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formation was threefold higher in ML-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. Similar time-related increases in COX metabolites were observed in THP-1 cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid. Undifferentiated U937 cells were capable of generating a much higher quantity of COX products than ML-1 or THP-1 cells, but, upon PMA- induced differentiation, COX products were increased by only two-fold to threefold over the undifferentiated cells and the total COX products in differentiated U937 cells were only one-seventh of those produced by differentiated ML-1 or THP-1 cells. KG-1 cells had an entirely different metabolic profile. They produced a large quantity of a metabolite coeluted with prostaglandin D2, and PMA had no effect on inducing changes in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Increased COX metabolite formation in differentiated THP-1 and ML-1 cells was due to an enhanced level of prostaglandin H synthase enzyme mass, as measured by Western blot analysis. The TXA synthase activity was also increased by approximately 100-fold in PMA-induced ML-1 cells and 10-fold in THP- 1 cells. These findings indicate that increased expression of prostaglandin H and TXA synthase enzymes is a feature of differentiated monocytoid leukemia cell lines.

Bioactive Glycosphingolipids

Glycolipids are the hybrid molecules constructed with the hydrophilic carbohydrate chain and the hydrophobic side chain. The characteristic change in the structure of glycolipids is usually observed among different animal species, different organs, tissues and cells of the same animals, and cells in the different proliferation-and differentiation-stages. Recent approaches for characterization of the meaning on the glycolipid-heterogeneity clearly indicates the involvement of glycolipids in a signal transducer and a modulator of functional proteins. For example, glycolipids appeared in association with differentiation can effectively induce the differentiation in human myeloid and monocytoid leukemia cells, and the keratinization in fetal rat keratinocytes. And addition of glycolipids, which do not contain in the target neuroblastoma cells, to the culture medium, can induce the neurite outgrowth of the cells.

The coagulopathy of childhood leukemia thrombin activation or primary fibrinolysis?

Little information is available on the prevalence and etiology of the coagulopathy present in some children with acute leukemia at disease presentation. We studied 102 children with newly diagnosed acute leukemia (50 retrospective: Group A; and 52 prospective: Group B) with prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), and fibrin degradation products (FDP). All patients in Group B also had assessment of thrombin activation by measurement of the crosslinked fibrin fragment, D-dimer, and of primary fibrinolysis with the B beta 1-42 peptide. Additionally, ten patients from Group B had Factors II, V, VII, and X measured, and eight of these patients had measurement of tissue factor from sonicated bone marrow cells. Thirty-two percent of Group A and 40% of Group B had totally normal coagulation studies, whereas 20% of Group A and 10% of Group B had a severe coagulopathy on disease presentation. A high percentage of both groups had elevated PT (Group A, 52%; Group B, 27%) and increased FDP (Group A, 39%; Group B, 25%). In Group B, 38% of the patients had a positive D-dimer, whereas only 4% of this prospective group had an elevated B beta 1-42 peptide (P less than 0.00001). Nine of ten patients with a positive D-dimer had low levels of one or more of the extrinsic pathway factors. Three of four patients with the highest tissue factor levels were of monocytoid leukemia cell type. These data indicate that the coagulopathy associated with acute leukemia of childhood is usually mediated by thrombin activation.

A novel leukocyte differentiation antigen: two monoclonal antibodies TM2 and TM3 define a 120-kd molecule present on neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and activated lymphoblasts

We produced two hybridomas by fusion of mouse myeloma cells with splenocytes from a mouse immunized with the THP-1 human monocytoid leukemia cell line. Two cloned hybridoma cell lines, designated as TM2 and TM3, were obtained. They secreted antibodies against a unique cell surface antigen expressed on all normal peripheral blood monocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes, platelets, and mitogen-induced lymphoblasts, some cells from patients with immature-type lymphoid leukemias. However, the antibodies reacted neither with large numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes nor with red cells. Cross-blocking studies showed that these monoclonal antibodies recognized the same or a nearly positioned antigen epitope. Immunoprecipitation of THP-1 cell extract with TM2 or TM3 under reducing and nonreducing conditions yielded a specific band of mol wt equal to 120,000 daltons. This determinant appeared to be involved in granulocyte chemotaxis, since neutrophilic granulocytes exposed to TM2 or TM3 showed a significant decrease in chemotaxis toward endotoxin-activated serum. These two monoclonal antibodies did not affect O2- release or luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of neutrophils. Moreover, they did not alter platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. TM2 and TM3 will provide a new reagent in defining the linkage between lymphoid and myeloid differentiation and intermyeloid development.

A Novel Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen: Two Monoclonal Antibodies TM2 and TM3 Define a 120-kd Molecule Present on Neutrophils, Monocytes, Platelets, and Activated Lymphoblasts

We produced two hybridomas by fusion of mouse myeloma cells with splenocytes from a mouse immunized with the THP-1 human monocytoid leukemia cell line. Two cloned hybridoma cell lines, designated as TM2 and TM3, were obtained. They secreted antibodies against a unique cell surface antigen expressed on all normal peripheral blood monocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes, platelets, and mitogen-induced lymphoblasts, some cells from patients with immature-type lymphoid leukemias. However, the antibodies reacted neither with large numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes nor with red cells. Cross-blocking studies showed that these monoclonal antibodies recognized the same or a nearly positioned antigen epitope. Immunoprecipitation of THP-1 cell extract with TM2 or TM3 under reducing and nonreducing conditions yielded a specific band of mol wt equal to 120,000 daltons. This determinant appeared to be involved in granulocyte chemotaxis, since neutrophilic granulocytes exposed to TM2 or TM3 showed a significant decrease in chemotaxis toward endotoxin-activated serum. These two monoclonal antibodies did not affect O2- release or luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of neutrophils. Moreover, they did not alter platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. TM2 and TM3 will provide a new reagent in defining the linkage between lymphoid and myeloid differentiation and intermyeloid development.