Glucose metabolism of hairy cells

Hairy cell leukemia is a malignant B-cell disorder characterized by splenomegaly and pancytopenia. The malignant cell is morphologically unique and characterized by fine cytoplasmic projections. Although studies of the cell have revealed important information about its proliferative capacity, cell surface, and membrane composition, less is known about the metabolic characteristics of the cell. We have previously investigated the oxidative metabolism of the hairy cell and have suggested that hairy cells might have a unique glucose metabolism compared to normal lymphocytes. This is indicated by a high rate of [6-14C]glucose oxidation in short-term culture consistent with an active Kreb's cycle and a high ratio of [6-14C]glucose oxidation to [1-14C] glucose oxidation. In this study, we evaluated an additional group of patients with hairy cell leukemia prior to or after treatment with the experimental drug 2'-deoxycoformycin (dCF). We found that in seven of eight patients the leukemic cells had a pattern similar to that previously described and that all of these seven patients had a significant response to therapy. The cells of the eighth patient had minimal Kreb's cycle activity, and at the time of study the patient was resistant to therapy with dCF. The metabolic activity of hairy cells may distinguish them from other lymphoid populations and may be a marker for sensitivity to dCF.