Spontaneous in vitro megakaryocyte colony formation in primary thrombocythemia: relation to platelet factor 4 plasma level and beta-thromboglobulin/platelet factor 4 ratio.
Seventeen patients with primary thrombocythemia (PT) were evaluated for in vitro bone marrow megakaryocyte progenitors (CFU-MK) using a plasma clot system. The aim of this study was to find out whether spontaneous growth of CFU-MK could be used in the diagnosis of PT. The number of CFU-MK was normal in 7 patients and reduced in 10 patients. In the absence of stimulating factor, CFU-MK grew spontaneously in 12 patients, while in 5 patients no spontaneous CFU-MK were observed. The mean plasma level of platelet factor 4 (PF4) was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in patients without spontaneous CFU-MK (59.8 +/- 59.6 IU/ml; mean +/- SD) compared to patients with (18.1 +/- 20.7 UI/ml). The mean plasma level of beta-thromboglobulin did not differ between patients with or without spontaneous CFU-MK. The beta-thromboglobulin/PF4 ratio was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in patients with spontaneous CFU-MK (9.9 +/- 7.1) compared to patients without (3.1 +/- 1.4). These results suggest that PF4 could inhibit in vitro spontaneous growth of CFU-MK.
Abgrall
J F
JF
Department of Hematology, Augustin Morvan Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Brest, France.
Berthou
C
C
Cauvin
J M
JM
Autrand
C
C
Renard
I
I
Le Niger
C
C
Guern
G
G
Blouch
M T
MT
Sensebé
L
L
Brière
J
J
D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000032:analysis; D013234:Stem Cells; D013920:Thrombocythemia, Essential / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D010978:Platelet Factor 4