Alteration of Rat Bone Marrow Megakaryocytes Following Administration of Cytosine Arabinoside, Daunomycin and Hydroxyurea

Abstract

The in vivo effects of three cytotoxic agents – cytosine arabinoside, daunomycin and hydroxyurea on rat bone marrow megakaryocytes were studied, specifically the relative count, the type percentage and the morphology. All three agents caused thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the number of megakaryocytes relative to the nucleated bone marrow cells, and a decrease in the percentage of megakaryoblasts, associated with an increase in the percentage of granular megakaryocytes. A decreased lobulation of the megakaryocytes was observed following the administration of cytosine arabinoside and of daunomycin. Thrombosthenin, examined immunologically, remained detectable in the bone marrow smears throughout the various stages of megakaryocyte alteration.

Comparison between anagrelide and hydroxycarbamide in their activities against haematopoietic progenitor cell growth and differentiation: selectivity of anagrelide for the megakaryocytic lineage

“…[1][2][3] This effect underlies their effectiveness in reducing the high platelet count associated with myeloproliferative disorders. [4][5][6][7] In addition, these agents have other distinctive biological actions (reviewed by Hong and Erusalimsky 8 ).…”