Stimulating factors in abnormal haematologic conditions

Part of the present knowledge, due to the in vitro assays of human normal and leukaemic granulocytopoiesis, is briefly reviewed, with special attention to the meaning of the leukaemic CFU-C, and to the possible pathogenetic role of the relationship of CFU-C with CSF, in normal vs. leukaemic conditions. It is suggested that the role of CSF level during aplasia following cytotoxic therapy could be worthwhile of further investigation. Data are reported on the CSF activity of peripheral blood leukocytes in smouldering leukaemia (low), and in marrow aplasia (high), and of chronic myeloid leukaemia spleen cells (low CSF). Preliminary observations on the CFU-C content of spleen and liver in chronic myeloid leukaemia indicate that the role of these organs should receive adequate consideration.