Very early analysis of graft establishment after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation using the polymerase chain reaction.
We have used minisatellite polymorphisms flanking the apolipoprotein B locus and PCR to demonstrate the emergence of donor specific alleles in peripheral blood at 3-7 d post allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). This technique affords a very early indication of the establishment of stable engraftment, and may identify patients at risk of graft failure or leukaemic relapse. Patterns of T-cell chimaerism in the first 7-14 d following transplantation may be closely associated with the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the graft versus leukaemia (GVL) effect and graft rejection and future application of this technique to the investigation of early T-cell chimaerism may give further insights into these immunologically mediated events.
O'Reilly
J
J
Haematology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.
Meyer
B
B
Stoner
M
M
Erber
W
W
Herrmann
R
R
Davies
J
J
D000483:Alleles; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000235:genetics; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000601:surgery; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011184:Postoperative Period; D018183:Transplantation Chimera / Q000235:genetics*
D001055:Apolipoproteins B