The Effect of Orally Administered Desiccated Beef Spleen and Abdominal Lymph Nodes on Megakaryocytogenesis and Thrombocytes

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Abstract
Desiccatednormal beef spleen and abdominal lymph nodes were given orally to normal individuals and to patients with diseases affecting megakaryocytogenesis. The number of thrombocytes in the peripheral circulation was influenced directly and megakaryocytogenesis indirectly with the max. response of the latter between the 3d and the 5th day. The reaction was transitory, uniform and reproducible. In normal individuals no appreciable acceleration of megakaryocytogenesis occurred but an increase of the number of thrombocytes in the peripheral circulation could be demonstrated. In patients with Addison-Biermer''s (pernicious) anemia in relapse, the megakaryocytogenesis became accelerated and a definite rise of the number of thrombocytes occurred. In full remission, however, the increase of thrombocytes was not accompanied by a production of megakaryocytes above the normal max. figures. A decrease of the number of peripheral thrombocytes was observed in the patients with essential thrombocytopenic purpura and a distinct increase of immature megakaryocytes could be demonstrated. While the thrombocytes decreased in the patient with myeloid leukemia, no significant alterations occurred in the megakaryocytogenesis. A decrease of the peripheral thrombocytes on the test may be an aid in detecting splenic dysfunction.