HEMATOLOGIC EFFECTS OF A SINGLE DOSE OF METHYLNITROSOUREA

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (1) , 19-26
Abstract
The hematological effects of a single leukemogenic dose of 50 mg/kg methylnitrosourea (MNU), administered i.v. to CBA/J mice were described. Special emphasis was given to the number of pluripotent (CFUs) [colony forming unit] and granulocytic committed (CFUc) stem cells found in the bone marrow and spleen. In the peripheral blood a decreased number of reticulocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes was seen. This was followed by a rapid return of reticulocytes and a very slow return of thrombocytes. The bone marrow cellularity was below normal for at least 2 wk, with a markedly reduced number of lymphocytes. A rapid decrease in bone marrow and splenic CFUs and CFUc to 20-50% of control values was observed within 3 h in mice injected with MNU. Seven days after MNU treatment, CFUs was about 10% of normal in both tissues. Contrary to this, CFUc underwent significant regeneration. After 3 wk CFUs returned to normal levels. At no stage could colony stimulating activity be detected in the serum.