Characterization and differentiation of basophilic precursor cells in Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia
Fukuda, T.
Nihon Ketsueki Gakkai Zasshi Journal of Japan Haematological Society 49(5): 1024-1036
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5806 PMID: 3466507 Document Number: 284945
Cytochemical, ultrastructural and immunological examinations were performed on peripheral blood specimens from patients with blastic crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), leukemic cells forming subcutaneous tumor, and Philadelphia chromosome positive basophilic cell line, KU-812. Immature basophilic cells were positive for acid phosphatase, .beta.-glucuronidase, sometimes Sudan black B and peroxidase, and the granules showed positive reaction for astra blue, toluidine blue, and PAS reaction. Acid phsophatase and .beta.-glucuronidase were detected in early phase of differentiation before basophil specific granules were produced. Ultrastructurally, the more immature blastic cells had frequently smaller membrane-bound granules that were electron dense and had a homogenous matrix. These granules were observed in all cases. Surface marker analysis revealed that the basophilic precursors were positive for My 7, My 9, Mo 1 and OKM 1. However, ML A-DR was not detected. In short-term liquid cultures, the blastic cells from two patients differentiated to mature form and phytohemagglutin in stimulated lymphocyte conditioned medium, retinoic acid, or colony stimulating factor did not promote differentiation. However, KU-812 did not show evidence of maturation and its differentiation was not affected by extrinsic agents. These results indicate that soluble factors are not necessarily important part in basophilic differentiation in CML. However, in KU-812, some autostimulating process may be present in differentiation.