EFFECTS OF NITROGEN MUSTARD ON THE BONE MARROW IN POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

Abstract

Significant reduction in the percentage of normoblasts may occur between 24 and 48 hrs., and may become marked 72-120 hrs. after the initial injn. of nitrogen mustard, with progressive parallel decrease of the most immature cells of the erythroid series. When the reduction in the % of normoblasts was most marked, it was seen to be a part of a general hypoplasia of the bone marrow, but significant reduction in the % of erythrocyte precursors may occur in the absence of marked general hypoplasia.