Number Of Immature Cells Research Articles

Targets and Mechanism of Action of Chemical constituents from Plants with Potential Anti-leukemic Activity

The plant kingdom has been the most significant source of anticancer drugs. These include alkaloids, diterpenes, tannins, phenolics, lignans, glycosides which have exhibited lesser toxicity than conventional drugs. In leukaemia, the human body is susceptible to infections due to the replacement of normal leucocytes replaced by a large number of immature cells. Chemotherapy for leukaemia is associated with side effects and drug resistance by the leukemic cells. Cytotoxic agents with higher efficacy and lesser side effects are good candidates in cancer therapy, and plant metabolites serve as potential bioactive agents in anticancer drug formulations. This review article discusses the anti-leukemic properties of compounds obtained from plants and the mechanism of anti-leukemic activity induced by each of these plants. Effect of plants and their metabolites on different leukemic cell lines such as HL60, Kasumi-1, CCRF-CEM, K-562, U-937, THP-1 and MOLT-3 was compared. The findings showed anti-leukemic activity through cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, destruction of mitochondrial function, suppression of tumour genes, apoptosis-inducing enzymes and cytotoxic activities of plants and their derivatives. Based on extensive research findings from this review, phytochemicals and their derived analogues possess the most promising option for the better and less toxic anti-leukemic treatment. Identification of the mechanism of action by the plant bioactive compounds helps in developing standard herbal medicines for effective leukaemia treatment.

Two cases of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia combined with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and a literature review

Abstract To describe myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) combined with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in order to investigate the potential association between these 2 diseases. Two cases of confirmed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) combined with MGUS were reported. In addition, prior publications of cases with combined MDS or MPN with MGUS were reviewed. The first case was of a 77-year-old man whose routine blood tests showed abnormal hemogram results. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgM monoclonal gammopathy, and the disease course was 4 years. The CMML gradually progressed and the patient presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolysis, and an increase in the number of immature cells in the bone marrow. Although the MGUS caused fluctuations in the concentrations of IgM, no IgM-associated organ damage was observed. Eventually, this patient died from a lung infection. The second case was of a 78-year-old man who sought treatment because of fever and a cough. An increase in the number of monocytes was discovered in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow smear results suggested obvious active granulocytes and an increase in the percentages of promyelocytes, myelocytes, and metamyelocytes. Unhealthy granulocytes and immature monocytes could also be observed, and the percentage of monocytes was increased. In addition, serum IgG levels were increased, and immunofixation electrophoresis results showed IgG-κ type M proteins. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgG monoclonal gammopathy. These diseases were stable and follow-up was conducted for 1 year after diagnosis. The cases in this study combined with those that were reviewed in the relevant literature indicate that the presence of these 2 diseases in the same patient might not be a coincidence. The development of the 2 diseases in case 1 was different, and we speculate that they might have had different clonal origins. Whether CMML is a risk factor for MGUS and the role of clonal plasma cells in the occurrence and development of MDS and MDS/MPN requires further studies on a larger number of cases.

Two Cases of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Combined with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and a Literature Review

Objective: To describe myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/ myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) combined with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in order to investigate the potential association between these 2 diseases. Methods: Two cases of confirmed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) combined with MGUS were reported here. In addition, reports related to cases with combined MDS or MPN with MGUS were reviewed. Results: The first case was a 77-year-old man whose routine blood tests showed abnormal hemogram results. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgM monoclonal gammopathy, and the disease course was 4 years. The CMML gradually progressed, and the patient presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolysis, and an increase in the number of immature cells in the bone marrow. Although the MGUS caused fluctuations in the concentrations of IgM, no IgM-associated organ damage was observed. Eventually, this patient died of lung infection. The second case was a 78-year-old man who sought treatment because of fever and a cough. An increase in the number of monocytes was discovered in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow smear results suggested obvious active granulocytes and an increase in the percentages of promyelocytes, myelocytes, and metamyelocytes. Unhealthy granulocytes and immature monocytes could also be observed, and the percentage of monocytes was increased. In addition, serum IgG levels were increased, and immunofixation electrophoresis results showed IgG-κ type M proteins. The diagnosis was CMML combined with IgG monoclonal gammopathy. These diseases were stable, and follow-up was conducted for 1 year after diagnosis. Conclusion: The cases in this study combined with those that were reviewed from the relevant literature indicated that the presence of the above 2 tumors in 1 patient might not be a coincidence. The development of the 2 diseases in case 1 was different, and it was speculated that they might have had different clonal origins. Whether CMML may serve as a risk factor for MGUS as well as the function of clonal plasma cells in the occurrence and development of MDS or MDS/MPN still requires further studies on a large number of clinical cases.

A comparative study on the impact of two artemisinin derivatives, artemether and artesunate, on the female reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica

An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the female reproductive system in adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with the artemisinins, artemether and artesunate. Rats infected with the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Sligo isolate were dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72h post-treatment (pt). Rats infected with the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate were dosed orally with artesunate at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered 24, 48, 72 and 96h pt. The flukes were processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the uterus, Mehlis’ gland, ovary and vitellaria.After treatment with artemether, egg production had become abnormal by 72h pt, with free vitelline cells and masses of shell protein material within the uterus; spermatozoa were absent. The Mehlis’ gland and ovary retained a normal morphology over the 3-day period. A change in the cell population in the vitelline follicles was seen at 48h pt, with a decline in the number of immature cells. This became more marked by 72h and the follicles became progressively vacuolated over the 3-day period. At the TEM level, there were changes in the immature vitelline cells at 24h pt, as evidenced by a decrease in shell protein production and the presence of lipid droplets and abnormal mitochondria. Spaces in the follicles separated the cells from each other. The changes became progressively more severe with time, so that, by 72h pt, the follicles were very disrupted, containing cells in the advanced stages of apoptotic breakdown. In extreme cases, the follicles were scarcely recognisable and had become filled with cellular debris. Fine structural changes to the vitelline cells induced by artesunate treatment were similar to those described for artemether, but generally occurred more quickly and were greater; this was particularly true of the swelling of the ger cisternae.Overall, the results have shown that artemisinin treatment has a severe impact on egg production by TCBZ-resistant flukes, an effect that is mediated by disruption of the vitelline cells.

Combinatorial actions of Tgfβ and Activin ligands promote oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination

In the embryonic CNS, development of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes is limited by bone morphogenetic proteins, which constitute one arm of the transforming growth factor-β (Tgfβ) family and signal canonically via Smads 1/5/8. Tgfβ ligands and Activins comprise the other arm and signal via Smads 2/3, but their roles in oligodendrocyte development are incompletely characterized. Here, we report that Tgfβ ligands and activin B (ActB) act in concert in the mammalian spinal cord to promote oligodendrocyte generation and myelination. In mouse neural tube, newly specified oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) are first exposed to Tgfβ ligands in isolation, then later in combination with ActB during maturation. In primary OLP cultures, Tgfβ1 and ActB differentially activate canonical Smad3 and non-canonical MAP kinase signaling. Both ligands enhance viability, and Tgfβ1 promotes proliferation while ActB supports maturation. Importantly, co-treatment strongly activates both signaling pathways, producing an additive effect on viability and enhancing both proliferation and differentiation such that mature oligodendrocyte numbers are substantially increased. Co-treatment promotes myelination in OLP-neuron co-cultures, and maturing oligodendrocytes in spinal cord white matter display strong Smad3 and MAP kinase activation. In spinal cords of ActB-deficient Inhbb−/− embryos, apoptosis in the oligodendrocyte lineage is increased and OLP numbers transiently reduced, but numbers, maturation and myelination recover during the first postnatal week. Smad3−/− mice display a more severe phenotype, including diminished viability and proliferation, persistently reduced mature and immature cell numbers, and delayed myelination. Collectively, these findings suggest that, in mammalian spinal cord, Tgfβ ligands and ActB together support oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation.

Combinatorial actions of Tgfβ and Activin ligands promote oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination

In the embryonic CNS, development of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes is limited by bone morphogenetic proteins, which constitute one arm of the transforming growth factor-β (Tgfβ) family and signal canonically via Smads 1/5/8. Tgfβ ligands and Activins comprise the other arm and signal via Smads 2/3, but their roles in oligodendrocyte development are incompletely characterized. Here, we report that Tgfβ ligands and activin B (ActB) act in concert in the mammalian spinal cord to promote oligodendrocyte generation and myelination. In mouse neural tube, newly specified oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) are first exposed to Tgfβ ligands in isolation, then later in combination with ActB during maturation. In primary OLP cultures, Tgfβ1 and ActB differentially activate canonical Smad3 and non-canonical MAP kinase signaling. Both ligands enhance viability, and Tgfβ1 promotes proliferation while ActB supports maturation. Importantly, co-treatment strongly activates both signaling pathways, producing an additive effect on viability and enhancing both proliferation and differentiation such that mature oligodendrocyte numbers are substantially increased. Co-treatment promotes myelination in OLP-neuron co-cultures, and maturing oligodendrocytes in spinal cord white matter display strong Smad3 and MAP kinase activation. In spinal cords of ActB-deficient Inhbb(-/-) embryos, apoptosis in the oligodendrocyte lineage is increased and OLP numbers transiently reduced, but numbers, maturation and myelination recover during the first postnatal week. Smad3(-/-) mice display a more severe phenotype, including diminished viability and proliferation, persistently reduced mature and immature cell numbers, and delayed myelination. Collectively, these findings suggest that, in mammalian spinal cord, Tgfβ ligands and ActB together support oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation.

An Infant With Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy Masquerading as a Hematologic Disorder

A 4-month-old male infant was brought to the emergency department because of striking petechial skin lesions and acrocyanosis. Routine hematology revealed leukocytosis and thrombocytosis and the infant was admitted for further investigations. Laboratory findings showed no evidence of infection, and a bone marrow aspirate demonstrated a normal number of immature cells of all lineages. Coagulation and routine biochemistry analyses were within the normal range. Three months later, the infant developed signs and symptoms of encephalopathy with episodes of hypotonia and an altered state of consciousness. A brain magnetic resonance imaging suggested the possibility of an inborn error of metabolism. The urinary organic acid and acylcarnitine profile indicated ethylmalonic encephalopathy. Mutation analysis of the ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 (ETHE1) gene confirmed the diagnosis of ethylmalonic encephalopathy at the molecular level.

The density of myocardial and pericardial rat mast cells in isoproterenol-induced heart failure

Myocardial mast cells (MC) respond to cardiovascular pathology. The behavior of MC population in myocardium and pericardium of rats has been studied 24 h, 14, 28 and 60 days after two isoproterenol injections (at 24 h intervals). The extent of heart failure has been estimated by supersonic inspection 28 and 60 days after isoproterenol injections. The density of MCs of different degrees of maturity was estimated on paraffin sections stained with Alcian blue--Safranin. The MC density in myocardium of intact and experimental rats was relatively low: from 4 to 6 cells/mm2. The MC density in pericardium of intact rats was several times higher than in myocardium: 48.6 +/- 13.0 cells/mm2. In 24 h and 14 days after isoproterenol injections the pericardial MC density was 1.5 times higher than in control rats (P < 0.05) at the expense of increase in the number of mature MCs with Safranine-positive granules without the increase in the number of immature cells with Alcian blue-positive granules. In 28 days the pericardial MC density was 2 times higher than in intact rats (P < 0.05) at the expense of increase in number of immature and mature cells. In 60 days after isoproterenol injections the pericardial MC density and the ratio of immature and mature cells compared with control did not reach statistical significance. The changes in pericardial MC population corresponded to severity of heart failure according to functional indices. The findings show active reaction of pericardial MCs on myocardium dysfunction that stimulates the maturation of resident immature MCs in pericardium and migration of immature cells to pericardium of damage heart.

Changes of physiological and biochemical characteristics of rat erythrocytes after blood loss

In experiments of Wistar male rats, changes are studied of erythrocyte hematological, biochemical (activitities of transport ATPases), and rheological properties (capability for aggregation and deformability) 7 days after bloodletting of 12-15 % of the total blood mass. It has been shown that alongside with an elevation of erythrocyte volume and of the number of immature cells - reticulocytes, there was a statistically significant increase of Na,K-ATPase and Ca-ATPase activities in the whole erythrocytes and their membrane preparations - ghosts, the increment of activity in the case of Na,K-ATPase being essentially higher in the whole cells. This indicates the appearance of an enzyme activator inside the erythrocytes. There are also revealed a decrease of firmness of erythrocyte aggregates, a deceleration of spontaneous aggregation, and an increase of index of erythrocyte deformability. The conclusion is made that changes of erythrocyte rheological properties are interconnected with changes of the Na,K-ATPase activity and are directed to optimization of blood circulation in large vessels and capillary network.

Erythropoiesis in the Diploid and Tetraploid Odontophrynus americanus: An Evolutionary Approach in These Cryptic Species (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Polyploidy is one of Nature’s strategies to create diversity among fauna and flora, resulting in new species. We have used light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy to perform morphometric analyses in maturing erythroid cells of the cryptic species diploid and tetraploid Odontophrynus americanus frogs. Normal blood of both specimens contained 97%–99% erythrocytes and 1%–3% reticulocytes, besides thrombocytes and leucocytes. Mature erythrocytes were flattened, ellipsoidal, nucleated, with cytoplasm rich in haemoglobin. Five days after being made anaemic, 15% and 33% of diploid and tetraploid red blood cells respectively, were in an immature stage, basically proerythroblasts. These cells were also seen at the 10th day, in addition to basophilic and polychromatophilic erythroblasts. By day 15 a higher number, 75% and 89% of reticulocytes in earlier maturation stage was found, respectively. At day 20 of recovery from anaemia, there were 63% and 85% of reticulocytes, respectively, most in an advanced stage of maturation. The number of immature cells then gradually decreased at days 30 and 50. Cytoplasmic inclusions similar to Heinz bodies were found in these cells associated with RNA or RNP. Morphometric analysis showed that the tetraploid erythroid cells synthesise 30% more ribosomes than the diploid erythroid cells. The density of ribosomes/μm2 allowed these cells to be classified into seven classes: proerythroblasts, basophilic erythroblasts I and II, polychromatophilic erythroblasts I and II, reticulocytes and erythrocytes. Such morphometric strategy suggested that gene activity was more intense in the tetraploid maturing erythroid cells, despite the marked tendency of these tetraploid cells towards diploidisation of the genome expression.

Etiology of gastric remnant cancer with special reference to the effects of denervation of the gastric mucosa.

Gastric mucosal blood flow, secretion of mucin, and renewal of the gastric mucosal cells are considered to be defensive factors against gastric mucosal injuries. These factors are regulated by the nervous system and neuropeptides. Gastrectomy may affect this regulation and induce gastric mucosal changes, such as atrophic gastritis and carcinoma. The effects of denervation of the gastric mucosa on tumorigenesis of the remnant stomach were investigated. Using male Wistar rats, four groups of Billroth I (B-I)gastrectomy, Billroth II (B-II) gastrectomy, and those with denervation were conducted. Subdiaphragmatic truncal vagotomy was performed in the denervated group. Thirty weeks after the operations, histologic examination and periodic acid-Schiff--Alcian blue (PAS-AB) staining of the gastric mucosa, analysis of cell kinetics of the gastric mucosa by immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and measurement of intragastric pH, intragastric bile acid concentration, and serum gastrin levels were performed. No carcinogenic agents were given. The B-I group showed no remarkable gastric mucosal changes, but B-I with denervation showed a significant increase in the development of tumor (67%) and carcinoma (42%). In the B-II groups, the denervation induced a significant increase in tumorigenesis, from 22% to 58%. Analysis of cell kinetics revealed a significant increase of labeling index in those groups that developed tumors. PAS-AB staining showed a decrease of PAS positive mucin but an increase of acidic mucin-producing cells in the denervated groups, suggesting an increase in the number of immature cells that are more susceptible to atrophic gastritis and carcinoma. There was no close relationship between tumorigenesis and intragastric pH, intragastric bile acid concentration, or serum gastrin levels. After gastrectomy, not only duodenogastric reflux, but also the denervation of the gastric mucosa play an important role in the etiology of gastric remnant cancer.

Glial response to axonal injury: In vitro manifestation and implication for regeneration

Crushed fish optic axons readily regenerate, while similarly injured rat optic axons do not; the reasons for the differences in regeneration ability may lie in differences in the environment of the axons. We have cultured glial cells from previously crushed optic nerves of fish and rat to determine whether a relationship exists between the ability to regenerate and the nature of the responses of the associated nonneuronal cells to injury. The glial cells were examined using indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies to known glial markers. In the rat cultures, mature GalC oligodendrocytes, which are known to be nonpermissive for axonal growth, were abundant. In contrast, in the fish cultures mature oligodendrocytes were rare, but A2B5 positive cells were abundant. The high number of A2B5 positive cells in the fish may suggest a high number of immature cells. This interpretation, however, should wait until evidence for glial cell lineage of the fish is available. Additional indication is provided also in the present study that the number of mature oligodendrocytes in the fish is regulated by elements external to the nerve. This study thus demonstrates an important difference between rat and fish optic nerves in the response of glial cells to the optic nerve injury.

Clinical experience with gossypol in non-chinese men: A follow-up

Gossypol monoacetic acid was administered to 12 Brazilian volunteers. The initial dose was 20 mg daily for 4 months. The dose was then reduced to 60 mg weekly (20 mg three times weekly). A significant reduction in sperm motility was detected in all subjects. An increase in the number of immature cells in the ejaculate was also detected in all subjects. Severe oligospermia or azoospermia developed in all subjects at the end of the loading phase. Two years following discontinuation, 3 men were still azoospermic. Only 1 man who was azoospermic 2 years after discontinuation had a late (3 years) recovery. Two of the 3 men who were subjected to high spermatic vein ligation because of varicocele remained azoospermic 2 years after the operation. The third patient, who did not have the operation, also remained azoospermic. Of the 9 patients who recovered, 3 have fathered children during the last 2 years.

Monoclonal Antibody (WI-2) Reactive Against Human Transformed and Leukemic Cells

A monoclonal antibody (WI-2) was produced against HL-60 cells. This antibody was IgM Kappa and reacted with human cell lines derived from fibroblasts and from hemopoetic, lymphoid, and neoplastic tissues. It also reacted with lymphocytes transformed by mitogens. WI-2 lacked reactivity against normal human RBC's, mature granulocytes, and T and B lymphocytes. The target antigen for WI-2 had a molecular weight of 43,000 daltons. Specimens from patients with leukemia were tested with WI-2. The number of immature cells was compared with the number of WI-2 reactive cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow and subjected to linear regression analysis. There was a highly significant (p less than 0.001) correlation between the two parameters. The antibody may be useful in monitoring the progress of the patients and in detecting early relapse in leukemia.

Quantitation of specific myeloid cells in rat bone marrow measured by in vitro 35S-sulphate incorporation.

A biochemical measurement which can be used for quantitation of specific early myeloid cells in rat bone marrow has been developed. This measurement consists of a rapid, simple assay for the in vitro quantitation of 35S-sulphate incorporation into rat bone marrow cells. Incubation of bone marrow cells with 35S-sulphate led to a time-dependent increase in radioactivity obtained in perchloric acid insoluble fractions of bone marrow cell suspensions. This incorporation was inhibited by cyanide and puromycin. Autoradiography has demonstrated the radiolabel to be specifically associated with immature cells of the myeloid series. The cells most active in this respect were eosinophils. When rats were treated with endotoxin, the rate of 35S-sulphate incorporation was increased. Cell number measurements, using conventional histopathology and a Coulter Counter, demonstrated that endotoxin caused an initial release of mature granulocytes from the bone marrow. The regeneration of this mature population in the marrow was rapid, and was characterized by an increase in the number of immature cells and a concomitant increase in the rate of 35S-sulphate incorporation measured in preparations of bone marrow cells in vitro. Furthermore, this response to endotoxin has demonstrated that Coulter Counting techniques can be used to distinguish specific populations of cells (e.g. mature granulocytes) within the bone marrow.

A light and electron microscopic study of urothelium from patients with chronic cystitis.

Urothelial tissues from two groups of patients were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Group A (n = 7) had no evidence of clinical or morphological abnormality. Group B (n = 9) consisted of patients with recurrent bacterial and abacterial cystitis. 6 of the 9 patients in group B showed hyperplastic urothelium in their biopsy specimens. The superficial cells contained a significantly greater number of immature cells when compared to controls (p less than 0.001). As it has been shown that bacteria attach more easily to immature cells, it is possible that their persistent presence among the luminal cells of the bladder epithelium is a contributory factor to the recurrence of cystitis.

The influence of tumour burden and therapy on cellular cytotoxicity responses in patients with ocular and skin melanoma.

Using a microassay for cellular immunity, tumour specific cytotoxicity was detected in 2/5 cases of ocular melanoma and 1/3 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma before treatment. Reactivity was measured against allogeneic skin melanoma target cells in short or long term in vitro culture. Lymphoid cells from patients with disseminated cutaneous melanoma were either non-reactive (4/8 cases) or gave a nonspecific cytotoxicity on target cells of diverse histogenic origins. Among tumour-free patients tested after surgery, 0/2 patients with ocular tumour were non-reactive 3-4 months post surgery. After sugical excision of cutaneous melanoma 2/2 patients gave tumour specific reactions during the first month after surgery. After longer time intervals, from 5 months to 3 years, only 1/8 patients were reactive. Preoperative radiotherapy in a total skin dose of 10,000 rad produ-ed a transient tumour specific reaction 24 h after therapy in a single case. Following local tumour excision in patients given preoperative irradiation, 2 cases which had previously demonstrated tumour specific CMI lost reactivity. Among 14 tumour-free individuals tested only after preoperative radiotherapy and surgery, at intervals from 5 day to 13 years, a single case gave tumour specific CMI. Palliative irradiation in doses 4000-4960 rad to the inguinal or axillary lymph nodes was found to induce a generalized lymphopenia within 48 h after treatment. Lymphoid cell preparations from patients with localized melanoma contained significantly increased numbers of immature cells (lymphoblasts and myeloblasts) and myeloid precursor elements. Those prepared from patients with disseminated disease had in addition elevated levels of eosinophils but reduced numbers of recoverable lymphocytes.

Survival of Lethally X-Irradiated Rats Receiving Marrow from Normal or Chlorambucil-Treated Donor Rats

Marrow from chlorambucil-treated rats induced a higher survival rate when transfused into rats exposed to lethal whole-body x radiation than did the same amount of marrow from normal rats. Differential counts of the marrow from the chlorambucil-pretreated donor rats revealed several alterations in the cellular composition, most of which indicated that the treated marrow contained a greater number of immature cells known to have a higher mitotic index. (auth)

Nucleic Acids of Rabbit Reticulocytes

Abstract 1. The concentration of acid soluble phosphorus, lipid phosphorus and nucleic acid phosphorus was determined in the red cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the rabbit. The concentration of acid soluble phosphorus was of the same order in both types of cells, but there was more lipid phosphorus and nucleic acid phosphorus in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes than in the red cell. Over 80 per cent of the nucleic acid in white cells was of the desoxypentose type. 2. Immature cells were produced in the peripheral blood stream of rabbits either by the administration of phenylhydrazine or by successive bleedings. Either treatment caused a fall in the concentration of hemoglobin, the red cell count and the hematocrit with an increase in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin. There was also an increase in the concentration of acid soluble phosphorus and lipid phosphorus and a great increase in the concentration of nucleic acid phosphorus which was coincident with the increase in number of immature cells as judged by the reticulocyte count. Almost all of the excess nucleic acid was of the pentose type. 3. The basophilia of the immature cells disappeared after treatment with ribonuclease or after hydrolysis with normal hydrochloric acid. Desoxyribonuclease was without effect. 4. These results suggest that the basophilic substance of the immature rabbit red cell, and presumably the reticulum of the reticulocyte, is of cytoplasmic rather than nuclear origin.

Eosinophilic leukemia with report of a case.

EOSINOPHILIC leukemia or so-called myeloid leukemia with pronounced eosinophilic predominance is an extremely rare disorder. A review of the literature reveals considerable hesitancy to admit its existence as a distinct clinical entity. Its separate identity has been questioned in the reported cases because of the relative maturity of eosinophils in the peripheral blood arid bone marrow, as contrasted with the large numbers of immature cells observed in the more familiar forms of leukemia. As a further difficulty, in chronic myeloid leukemia especially, there is often a relative increase in eosinophils, both mature and immature. Traditionally, there has been slowness to accept other forms of leukemia when first described. The existence of monocytic leukemia is still denied by some observers. In 1912 Stillman1presented the first case of myeloid leukemia with predominance of eosinophilic cells. Since then, approximately 25 similar cases have been described in the form of single case