Prelymphoid Leukemia Phase of Rauscher Virus Infection2

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Abstract
Rauscher virus leukemia is associated with a preleukemic phase characterized by splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, leukocyfosis, and anemia. Two weeks after infection a linear relationship was noted between dilution of virus and degree of splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis. Erythrokinetic studies demonstrated a 50% reduction in red blood cell survival. Ferrokinetic studies showed a depression in erythropoiesis 3–14 days after infection, but by day 21 the59Fe reappearance in the red blood cells was normal to increased. Splenectomy before infection significantly modified the preleukemic phase in that the resultant thrombocytopenia and anemia were more severe, but there was no lymphocytosis or monocytosis 2 weeks after infection. Red blood cell survival was unchanged in the splenectomized group, but ferrokinetic studies revealed a significantly greater suppression of erythropoiesis 2 weeks after infection. The early mortality peak following Rauscher virus infection did not occur in the splenectomized mice. Therefore, the results suggest that the early mortality peak is due to a combination of thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly. These studies indicate that Rauscher virus has a direct effect on erythropoiesis, thrombopoiesis, and lymphopoiesis. Since the normal mouse spleen is analogous to bone marrow, the nonsplenectomized mice may, in part, be able to compensate for the virus-induced thrombocytopenia and anemia. The early anemia and thrombocytopenia are considered non-neoplastic manifestations of Rauscher virus infection, while the lymphocytosis and monocytosis can be considered the neoplastic phase of the disease.