[A test system for the measurement of cellular RNA-synthesis in the human bone marrow]

A test for the cellular RNA-synthesis (incorporation of 3H-uridine in the RNA) of human bone marrow has been standardized with respect to the time of incorporation, the number of cells and the concentration of 3H-uridine. The following parameters were estimated for 500 microleter standard assay and 100 microleter aliquots for the determination of the radioactivity: time of incubation 80 min, number of nucleated cells 8 - 10(5), concentration of 3H-uridine 8,3 - 10(-6) M. Actinomycin D inhibits the RNA-synthesis to 90% in a concentration of 1.2 - 10(2) microgram/ml. The test appears generally applicable for the determination of the vitality of bone marrow after cryopreservation, the testing of cryoprotectants and haematotoxic substances and the control of the reaction of the bone marrow during chemical- or irradiation treatment of tumors.