Induction of hemoglobin synthesis in original K 562 cell line

Cells of the original human myelogenous leukemia cell line, K 562 were induced to synthesize hemoglobin by incubation with 0.05 mM hemin. Analysis by isoelectric focusing indicated major bands in the region of hemoglobin F, Bart's hemoglobin, and embryonics. Cytochemical analysis by the Lepehene peroxidase reaction for hemoglobin indicated an heterogeneous population of cells with respect to hemoglobin induction. Approximately 50% of the cells were positive for hemoglobin. The benzidine-positive material was present as granules in the region of the Golgi apparatus of large blasts with undifferentiated nuclei. There was no indication of normal maturation or of terminal differentiation into reticulocytes or erythrocytes.