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Journal of Cell Science, Vol 9, 23-47, Copyright © 1971 by Company of Biologists

Submitted on March 11, 1971

Identifying Characteristics of the Haematopoietic Precursor Cell

M. J. MURPHY 1, J. F. BERTLES 2, and A. S. GORDON 3

1 Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University and the Hematology Division, St Luke's Hospital Center, New York, New York, U.S.A.; Paterson Laboratories, Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute Manchester, England
2 Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University and the Hematology Division, St Luke's Hospital Center, New York, New York, U.S.A.
3 Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University and the Hematology Division, St Luke's Hospital Center New York, New York, U.S.A.

Studies are reported utilizing the known ability of homologous marrow cells to prevent death in otherwise lethally X-irradiated mice by ‘colonizing’ their spleens. The proportion of marrow cells functioning as progenitor cells attains a peak value during post-hypoxic polycythaemia. On the third day post-hypoxia, bone marrows of mice were harvested and prepared for density-gradient centrifugation. The relatively pure fractions of marrow cells were concentrated on the basis of their density and directly injected into the surgically exteriorized spleens of mice which had received an otherwise lethal dose of X-irradiation 48 h previously. Animals were sequentially killed from 15 min to 8 days later and spleens were prepared for examination by light and electron microscopy.

Eighty to 95 % of the light-density fraction ({rho} = 1.0200-1.0440) was composed of large mononuclear cells characterized by a leptochromatic nucleus with pachychromasia at the nuclear envelope, one or more prominent nucleoli, sparse endoplasmic reticulum, a moderate number of mitochondria, a conspicuous Golgi zone and a centrosome in the region of a nuclear indentation. Cells of this light fraction, devoid of erythroid elements, were competent in colonizing spleens (erythrocyte, granulocyte and megakaryocyte series) in contrast to the cells present in fractions of greater density.

The name ‘haematopoietic precursor cell’ (HPC) is tentatively used in describing this cell which is discussed in the light of some of the proposed models of haematopoiesis.

Submitted on March 11, 1971






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1971