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Updated: Sep 1, 2026
Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells
Published on: December 27, 2017
[The effect of viruses on megakaryocytes in vitro (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Bone marrow suspensions from adolescent rats contain 0.3% megakaryocytes; this rate decreases to almost zero within 72--96 h cultivation in vitro in Leighton tubes because of thrombocytopoesis. Such cultures were inoculated immediately after seeding with different viruses in high multiplicity. After infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 or adenovirus type 2, no deviation of the number and morphology of the megakaryocytes was seen when compared with control cultures. However, after infection with vaccinia virus and, still more marked, with Newcastle disease virus, morphological alterations and interference with thrombocytopoesis were seen. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the altered megakaryocytes persisted for 72--96 h. Finally, the cytoplasm of the megakaryocytes after infection with vaccinia virus or NDV, but not with HSV 1 or adenovirus 2, showed a specific immunofluorescence with antiviral antisera, which indicates a direct cellular involvement and multiplication of vaccinia virus and NDV in megakaryocytes.
Insights
Newcastle disease virus and vaccinia virus, but not HSV-1 or adenovirus, infect rat megakaryocytes, altering their morphology and platelet production. This study reveals direct viral involvement in these critical blood cells.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Hematology
- * Cell Biology
Context:
- * Megakaryocytes are crucial for platelet production (thrombocytopoiesis).
- * In vitro cultures of rat bone marrow megakaryocytes provide a model to study cellular responses.
- * Viral infections can impact hematopoietic cell function.
Purpose:
- * To investigate the susceptibility of rat megakaryocytes to various viruses in vitro.
- * To determine the effects of viral infection on megakaryocyte morphology, survival, and thrombocytopoiesis.
- * To assess direct viral replication within megakaryocytes using immunofluorescence.
Summary:
- * Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and adenovirus type 2 did not affect megakaryocyte number or morphology.
- * Vaccinia virus and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) caused significant morphological changes and impaired thrombocytopoiesis.
- * Infected megakaryocytes showed persistence and, with vaccinia virus and NDV, specific immunofluorescence, indicating viral replication.
Impact:
- * Demonstrates differential susceptibility of megakaryocytes to viral infections.
- * Highlights the potential for vaccinia virus and NDV to directly infect and replicate within megakaryocytes.
- * Suggests potential implications for platelet count and function during infections with these viruses.
