Activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in granulocytes of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A preliminary report

Cyclic 3':5'-adenosinmonophosphate phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE), high KM value type isoenzyme, and cyclic 3':5'-guanosino-monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cGMP-PDE), high KM value type isoenzyme, were determined in granulocytes of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase of the disease. Granulocyte cAMP-PDE activity was similar in the general group of CML patients to that in normal granulocytes; the cGMP-PDE, however, was somewhat higher. By dividing the CML general group into the "low leukocyte count" subgroup including granulocytes of patients with WBC number ranging from 10,300 to 40,000 per microliter (mean 22,000 per microliter), and the "high leukocyte count" subgroup including patients with leukocyte count above 40,000 per microliter (mean 67,000) remarkable differences in the activities of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases between these subgroups could be found: cAMP-PDE activity for the high leukocyte count subgroups was significantly higher than for that in normals, and in CML-low leukocyte count subgroup. On the other hand, cGMP-PDE activity in granulocytes of the high leukocyte count subgroup was found to be remarkably lower than that in normals, in the low leukocyte count subgroup and general CML group. In CML patients the ratio of cAMP-PDE activity to cGMP-PDE activity was always considerably higher than that in controls. The obtained results suggest CML granulocytes to differ from normal ones in respect to their control of intracellular cyclic nucleotide levels. This difference is related to the accumulation of CML granulocytes.     

Seasonal characteristics of the circadian rhythm of peripheral blood leukocyte content in Wistar rats]

In Wistar rats, the seasonal variability of acrophase position, mesor value and circadian rhythm amplitudes of total leukocyte count, as well as of percentage and absolute lymphocyte count was revealed. The leukocyte count and absolute lymphocyte content were found highest in spring, while eosinophils--in autumn, neutrophils and monocytes--in winter.     

Basic haematological values in carnivores--II. The Felidae

1. Basic haematological values in 34 animals of eight carnivorous species are reported. 2. In four Northern lynxs (Lynx lynx lynx), two male and two female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte counts 8.51 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.392/l, haemoglobin content 148.0 g/l and leukocyte count 7.92 X 10(9)/l. 3. In six male pumas (Puma concolor missolensis) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 9.35 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.43/l, haemoglobin content 163.9 g/l and leukocyte count 7.73 X 10(9)/l. Individual values in one female puma are also given. 4. In six jaguars (Panthera onca), three male and three female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte count 8.27 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.37/l, haemoglobin content 137.1 g/l and leukocyte count 15.15 X 10(9)/l. 5. Only individual values are reported in one clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), in one leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), in one Corbett's tiger (Panthera tigris Corbetti) and in one Altaic tiger (Panthera tigris Altaica). 6. In four lions (Panthera leo leo), two male and two female animals, the mean estimated values are: erythrocyte count 10.14 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.462/l, haemoglobin content 159.0 g/l and leukocyte count 11.05 X 10(9)/l. In six female cheetahs (Acinonox jubatus jubatus) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 7.86 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.373/l, haemoglobin content 142.8 g/l and leukocyte count 8.65 X 10(9)/l. For three male cheetahs only individual values are reported. 8. All results achieved are compared with those abstracted from the literature and discussed.     

Leukocyte isolation by sedimentation: the effect of rouleau-promoting agents on leukocyte differential count.

The rouleau-promoting agents dextran and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were used to accelerate erythrocyte sedimentation in order to harvest the leukocyte rich plasma (LRP). The objective of the work was to determine if agent concentration or blood: agent ratio had any effect on the leukocyte differential count and if so at what agent concentration and agent:blood ratio did the LRP leukocyte differential count most closely match the whole blood leukocyte differential count. With both sedimentation agents the data clearly indicate that both parameters effect LRP differential counts and that low concentrations of sedimentation agents are most important in obtaining LRP differential counts which most closely match the whole blood differential counts.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical values for Yucatan miniature swine

Hematologic and serum biochemical values were determined for healthy, mature Yucatan miniature swine, Sus scrofa. These values were similar to those reported for other breeds of swine. There was no effect on erythrocyte count, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, or leukocyte count attributable to sex (p greater than 0.05). Differential leukocyte counts generated on an automated multichannel blood cell counter, having a three part leukocyte differential capability, were compared to 100-cell manual leukocyte differentials. Determination of lymphocyte and non-lymphocyte fractions on this system were not significantly different from microscopic differentials (p less than 0.001). However, the mononuclear cell count did not correlate well with the percentage of monocytes determined manually (r = 0.084, p greater than 0.5). Leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets behaved properly with respect to counting thresholds as modified for counting cells of other common domestic species on this automated cell counter.     

Sex differences of hematological and biochemical parameters in healthy rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri, R)

A hematological study of the rainbow trout has permitted to establish a sexual difference in the parameters related to it, such as haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte and leukocyte count. The types of leukocytes were homologated to the human blood. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, erythrocyte and leukocyte count values were lower in female than male. The normal values of some biochemistry parameters were equally studied and in some cases they similarly showed a sexual difference. Creatinine, triglycerides, phosphatase alkaline, sodium and globulin values were higher in female than male. Establishing a sexual difference from the biochemical and hematological parameters is possible.     

Some blood parameters of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

Fifty rainbow trout of the Kamloops strain were examined for 12 haematological parameters: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, erythrocyte diameters, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, plasma total protein and plasma glucose concentration. The fish had been held under known environmental and dietetic conditions, and at the time of sampling were 14 months old. The majority of results for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, erythrocyte diameters, total protein and differential leukocyte count fell within narrow ranges. The total leukocyte counts and glucose levels were more widely spread. The results are discussed and compared with those already published for Idaho and Shasta strains. It is impossible to say whether the differences that were observed between Kamloops and these other varieties were due to strain alone, since other variables were present. Some problems associated with establishing normal ranges for these parameters in fish are discussed.     

C 反应蛋白、白细胞计数与脑梗死体积及近期预后的关系

目的:研究血清C反应蛋白水平、白细胞计数与急性脑梗死患者的梗死灶体积大小以及预后的关系。方法:检测70例急性脑梗死患者(CI组)、64例腔隙性脑梗死患者(LCI组)和80例健康人(对照组)的血浆CRP水平,并进行白细胞计数。在CI及LCI组人院当天和4周时进行临床神经功能缺损程度评分(NDS)评定以判断预后。结果:CI组血浆CRP水平高于LCI组及对照组(P<0.01),LCI组高于对照组(P<0.01);CI组白细胞计数高于LCI组及对照组(P<0.01),LCI组高于对照组(P<0.05);血浆CRP水平及白细胞计数正常组患者住院4周时显著进步和进步的比率明显高于血浆CRP水平及白细胞计数异常组(均P<0.01),而无变化和死亡的比率明显低于异常组(均P<0.01)。结论:ACI患者血浆CRP水平和白细胞计数均明显升高;脑梗死急性期血清CRP水平、白细胞计数可能与脑梗死患者梗死体积大小以及近期预后有密切的关系。     

Genes associated with leukocyte production in mice.

We have investigated the genes influencing leukocyte production in mice by selective breeding for differences in leukocyte count and developed two major lines differing about 8-fold. In these lines we have made counter selective breeding, crossbreeding between them, and developed methods of using marker genes to search for individual genes distributed on different chromosomes. We have revealed an overall dominance of genes for low leukocyte count over those for high counts, and effects of genes at the agouti locus, certain mutant genes, and a gene or genes in the XVI linkage group. We have commented on the application and approach of quantitative genetic experimentation from both a theoretical and practical point of view and, on the basis of present results, discussed the nature of polygenes in relation to genes causing polymorphisms.     

Abdominal lymphatic pump treatment increases leukocyte count and flux in thoracic duct lymph

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that rhythmic compression of the abdomen (abdominal lymphatic pump techniques, LPT) enhances immunity and resistance to infectious disease, but direct evidence of this has not been documented. In this study, the thoracic duct of eight anesthetized mongrel dogs was catheterized, so the immediate effects of LPT on lymph flow and leukocyte output could be measured. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lymph flow was measured by timed collection or ultrasonic flowmeter, and lymph was collected over ice under 1) resting (baseline) conditions, and 2) during application of LPT. The baseline leukocyte count was 4.8 +/- 1.7 x 10(6) cells/ml of lymph, and LPT significantly increased leukocytes to 11.8 +/- 3.6 x 10(6) cells/ml. Flow cytometry and differential cell staining revealed that numbers of macrophages, neutrophils, total lymphocytes, T cells and B cells were similarly increased during LPT. Furthermore, LPT significantly enhanced lymph flow from 1.13 +/- 0.44 ml/min to 4.14 +/- 1.29 ml/min. Leukocyte flux, computed from the product of lymph flow and cell count, was increased by LPT from 8.2 +/- 4.1 x 10(6) to 60 +/- 25 x 10(6) total cells/min. Similar trends were observed in macrophages, neutrophils, total lymphocytes, T cells and B cells during LPT. CONCLUSIONS: LPT significantly increased both thoracic duct lymph flow and leukocyte count, so lymph leukocyte flux was markedly enhanced. Increased mobilization of immune cells is likely and important mechanism responsible for the enhanced immunity and recovery from infection of patients treated with LPT.     

The Absolute Granulocyte Count in Ascites Fluid: An Aid to the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

The absolute granulocyte count of peritoneal fluid was determined for 98 consecutive patients with ascites in order to assess its value as an early indication of bacterial infection. The absolute granulocyte count was found to be more sensitive and specific than either the total leukocyte count or differential count alone. When the absolute granulocyte count in ascites fluid is greater than 250 per cu mm, then it is likely that infection is present.     

Letter: Limited licensure.

We examined the relationship of leukocyte colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in vitro to neutrophil count in vivo. Using a standard two-layer system, cultures of 10⁶ leukocytes were assayed for their ability to stimulate colony formation by human bone marrow colony-forming cells. The total leukocyte CSA per ml (TLCSA) of blood varied directly with the blood neutrophil count in a group of patients with a wide range in blood neutrophil count, and in two patients recovering from neutropenia in whom serial observations were made. In the latter two patients the rise in TLCSA did not antedate the rise in blood neutrophil count, suggesting that blood leukocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF) per se probably has little biologic significance. However, release into the circulation of cells which generate CSF could be an important way of controlling the amount of CSF acting within the marrow. In one patient the CSA of dialyzed serum increased after the rise in TLCSA, while undialyzed serum contained no CSA.     

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count and protein concentration at diagnosis: independent risk factors in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The aim of this study was to investigate whether determination of the initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration and leukocyte count in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) could yield useful information about the patient's central nervous system status and prognosis. The population-based unselected series comprised 160 children. The mean follow-up time was 72 months (range 25-143 months). Both the CSF protein concentration and the leukocyte count, if elevated, were significantly, although not independently, associated with diminished probability of event-free survival. The patients were divided into three groups for the final analyses: those without any abnormalities in the CSF (n = 133), those with elevated protein concentration and/or elevated leukocyte count, but with no malignant lymphoblasts in the CSF (n = 21), and those with malignant lymphoblasts in the CSF (n = 6). The probabilities of 5-year event-free survival for the first and second group were 65% and 15%; the probability of 2-year event-free survival for the third group was 17%. These differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.001). In multivariate analysis the relative risks of death or relapse for these groups were 1, 2.8 (95% confidence limits 1.5-4.9), and 7.6 (2.4-24.3), respectively (p less than 0.001). The inclusion of an elevated CSF protein concentration or leukocyte count in the risk group criteria of further trials should be considered.     

Variations During Lactation in Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts,N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase,Antitrypsin and Serum Albumin in Foremilk and Residual Milk from Non-infected Quarters in the Bovine

Quarter samples of foremilk and residual milk were taken approximately every second week from 2 days post partum (pp) throughout lactation month 9, from 5 dairy cows in their second lactation period. Bacteriologically positive milk samples were excluded. The aim was to study the variation in total and differential leukocyte counts, N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase), antitrypsin (ATR) and serum albumin (BSA) in milk during the lactation period and different stages of oestrous cycle. Also the between milkings variation was studied from lactation month 4 to 9. At 2 days pp, each fraction of milk contained significantly higher numbers of leukocytes and had a higher activity of NAGase and ATR than later in the lactation period. In foremilk the highest content of BSA was also recorded at 2 days pp. From lactation month 2 to 9, stage of lactation had, in general, a slight effect on the variation in the variables measured. The total leukocyte count in residual milk tended to increase as lactation proceeded. The proportion of monocyte-macrophages in foremilk was significantly decreased during the last 4 months. NAGase and BSA in both fractions and ATR in residual milk increased significantly towards the end of the lactation period. From lactation month 4 to 9 the highest recorded ranges of variation between milkings, within quarter and stage of lactation, in the total leukocyte count, proportions of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocyte-macrophages, NAGase, ATR and BSA in foremilk were 215 × 103ml, 42 %, 34 %, 54 %, 6.68 units, 0.36 units and 0.14 mg/ml respectively. The corresponding figures in residual milk were higher except for the variation in BSA which was slightly lower in residual milk than in foremilk. In residual milk there was a positive correlation between the proportion of neutrophils and the total leukocyte count, when calculated on data from all cows and the entire experimental period. During the oestrous periods, the proportion of neutrophils in residual milk was higher than during the dioestrous periods. Foremilk and residual milk differed in the total as well as the differential leukocyte counts in all the various stages of lactation, whereas the contents of NAGase, ATR and BSA were equal in both fractions. The exception was 2 days pp when the proportions of lymphocytes were equal in both fractions and BSA-significantly higher in foremilk than in residual milk.     

Age-related hematological changes in normal F344 rats: during the neonatal period.

In order to clarify age-related changes in hematological values of normal rats after birth, blood samples from neonatal F344 rats of both sexes were examined periodically during the period from 0 to 40 days postpartum. The erythrocyte count (RBC) increased with time after birth as a function of age. In contrast, the reticulocyte count (Retics) continuously decreased with time after birth. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) tended to decrease after birth until weaning (about 21 days postpartum), but they began to increase after weaning. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) also gradually decreased after birth until weaning, but they were unchanged thereafter. The platelet count (PLT) gradually increased after birth and reached a plateau at weaning. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed that erythrocytes at birth had characteristic morphological features such as anisocytosis, polychromasia, basophilic stippling, Howell-Jolly body, and erythroblastosis. These characteristic features, however, disappeared by 30 days after birth. The total leukocyte count (WBC) gradually increased with time after birth, due to an increase in the number of lymphocytes. The lymphocyte count started to rapidly increase within several days after birth and the increase continued thereafter. Other differential leukocyte counts also showed various characteristic patterns of changes during the neonatal period. There were no apparent differences between males and females in these changes in hematological values.     

Fever and acute-phase response induced in rabbits by intravenous and intracerebroventricular injection of interleukin-6

We investigated the effect of human recombinant interleukin-6 (IL-6) on body temperature and acute-phase response, including changes in plasma levels of iron, zinc, copper, and fibrinogen and in circulating leukocyte count. The intravenous (IV) injection of IL-6 (2 micrograms/kg) produced a monophasic fever. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of IL-6 produced a dose-dependent fever that developed gradually and remained elevated throughout the 5-h recording period. The IV injection of IL-6 decreased the plasma concentration of iron and zinc and increased the circulating leukocyte count. The ICV injection of IL-6 resulted in similar trace metal and leukocyte changes, and increased plasma levels of fibrinogen. These results show that IL-6 can cause fever when injected IV or ICV and induces some acute-phase responses through its action on peripheral target organs and in the central nervous system.     

Blood leukocyte responses to extracorporal circulation. III. Long term extracorporeal circulation without and with irradiation in normal and splenectomized dogs

Long term (12-48 h) extracorporeal circulation without and with irradiation of the blood was performed in normal and splenectomized dogs in order to observe the effect of these procedures on blood leukocyte counts including CFU-C. A transient granulocytopenia and a decrease of lymphocyte count were observed. The blood CFU-C level diminished to a very low level and remained low for the whole time of the experiments. There was no significant difference between the results of procedures with or without irradiation. The similar effect of a shortened tubing system on the blood leukocyte count is also reported. Heparin infusion alone did not decrease the peripheral CFU-C concentration. The possible explanations for the observed phenomena are discussed.     

The reaction of leukocytes of sterlet <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser ruthenus</Emphasis> to hormone-induced stress

The influence of cortisone on the part of leukocytes in the differential leukocyte count of peripheral blood of sterlet is described. The changes in particular groups of leukocytes are characterized quantitatively. To the hormone, the fish reacted by a decrease in leukocyte count, blastic (juvenile) cells, and eosinophils and an increase in neutrophils and monocytes. It is concluded that the stress hormone suppresses lymphopoiesis by the hormone-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes while, on the contrary, myelopoiesis activates it.     

Effect of shiftwork on systemic markers of inflammation

Shiftwork is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, but the possible role of inflammation in this relationship is not well known. We tested the hypothesis that shiftwork would be associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and increased leukocyte count. We analyzed the cross-sectional associations between work arrangements and low-grade inflammation in 1877 airline-company employees separately for men (n?=?1037) and women (n?=?840). The participants were classified into five categories according to their work schedule: day workers who have not worked in shifts (referent group), former shiftworkers, 2-shift workers, 3-shift workers, and in-flight workers. In models adjusted for age and recent infectious diseases, CRP levels were higher among male 3-shift workers (p = .002) and marginally higher in male 2-shift workers (p = .076). In addition, leukocyte count was higher in 2-shift (p = .005) and 3-shift (p = .021) working men. In women, CRP level was higher in 2-shift workers (p = .028), whereas leukocyte count was lower in flight workers (p = .005). Any separate adjustment additionally for smoking, education, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity did not substantially affect the results of 2- and 3-shift work. In the fully adjusted model, only the association between 3-shift work and CRP in men (p = .021) and 2-shift work and leukocyte count in men (p = .020) and leukocyte count in 3-shift-working women (p = .044) were significant. Our results suggest that 2- and 3-shift work is associated with increased systemic inflammation and the relationship is relatively independent of the considered risk factors of cardiovascular disease.     

Automated cerebrospinal fluid cytology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire cytometer for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count and differentiation. METHODS: One hundred three analyses of CSF cells by the CELL-DYN Sapphire were compared with routine cell count and microscopic differentiation and correlation coefficients calculated. RESULTS: The total cell count of both methods correlated well. The detection of erythrocytes was good (0.898), and a higher content of erythrocytes >100/microL had little effect on total leukocyte count. The correlation between both methods was best with higher leukocyte counts >25/microL (r=0.987), whereas at cell counts <25/microL, the correlation was considerably less precise (r=0.613). For the differentiation of cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils showed moderate correlation. The results for monocytes and eosinophils did not correlate. CONCLUSION: The results for the total cell count in this study are comparable with those achieved with the Bayer Advia 120. While the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire yielded slightly better results for erythrocytes and total cell count with a higher erythrocyte content, the Advia 120 achieved slightly better results of lymphocyte and neutrophil count in a previous study.