Studies on the Histogenesis of Blood Platelets

Abstract

The acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) activity of megakaryocytes in various mammals was investigated by a modified thiocholine method. It was thereby shown that the megakaryocytes of cat, rabbit, rat, guinea-pig and man exhibit AChE activity in a pattern similar to that found in their respective platelets. These findings provide strong evidence in support of the megakaryocytic origin of blood platelets. In cat bone marrow, where the endothelial, erythropoietic and granulopoietic cells showed no AChE activity, the earlier stages in the histogenesis of megakaryocytes could be studied by this enzyme tracing. The existence of a small AChE-bearing cell was shown. Its possible place in the megakaryocytic cell system is discussed.