RESPIRATION AND GLYCOLYSIS OF RABBIT BONE MARROW IN SERUM IN RELATION TO CELLULAR COMPONENTS

Abstract

Slices of rabbit bone marrow, prepared by methods previously described, are placed in serum and the rates of respiration and glycolysis are followed in the Warburg apparatus. The ratio between the rates of anaerobic glycolysis (QGN2"C0) and respiration (Q02) is more constant for marrows of given cellular composition than either component of the ratio alone. The relationship between this ratio and the cellular composition of the marrow ia established; the ratio is relatively high for myeloid marrows and low for erythroid marrows. Myeloid cells are therefore characterized by possessing relatively active glycolytic mechanisms, and erythroid cells by the relative predominance of oxi-dative over glycolytic processes. Estimates are made of the results to be expected if suspensions could be obtained consisting entirely of myeloid or erythroid marrow cells. The significance of these results is discussed. The aerobic glycolysis of bone marrow is not to be considered as evidence of damage to cells, or of a tumor type of metabolism, but merely as an expression of its content of normal myeloid cells.