The Change in the Leucocytic Formula by the Leucocytosis-promoting Factor of Exudates in Experimental Leucemia

Abstract

The action of the leucocytosis-promoting factor (LPF) was studied on AK mice inoculated with a strain of chloroleucemia. A few days to a few wks. after inducing the disease, LPF in doses of 1-2 mg. in 0.2 ml. of saline or water was injd. subcut. Injn. was first daily, and after several wks. was given 3 times per week. LPF was derived from canine exudates (Menkin, 1946). The predominance of mononuclear cells was soon shifted, and this persisted until a few days prior to death. In most cases, the percentage of polymorphonuclears increased. This did not occur in controls inoculated with leucemia but not with LPF. Control expts. showed that the shift in the differential formula was not referable to a mere discharge by the LPF of polymorphonu-clear leucocytes from the bone marrow. Several children severely ill with acute leucemia were repeatedly treated intra-ven. with LPF. The doses ranged from 16 to about 100 mg. All the children died, showing no change in the percentage of blast formation nor any sign of maturation. There was a frequent drop in the total leucocyte level.