Factors influencning mitotic yields from suspension cultures of normal and acute leukaemic bone marrows

Cytogenetic studies of bone marrow are often hampered by a paucity of dividing cells. In an attempt to improve mitotic yields we have tried to promote mitotic activity in suspension cultures of bone marrow from both normal and leukaemic subjects. Enrichment of the media always increases yield and the addition of bone marrow stimulating factor (BMSF) may do so. The best prospect for improving the yield of mitoses in acute myeloid leukaemia is to culture the marrow in an enriched medium with BMSF.