Cellular phenotypes of normal and leukemic hemopoietic cells determined by
analysis with selected antibody combinations
G Janossy, FJ Bollum, KF Bradstock and J Ashley
Individual leukemic cells and the corresponding rare normal cell types in
nonleukemic bone marrow were analyzed with various combinations of antisera
(labeled with different fluorochromes: TRITC and FITC). Double staining for
membrane Ia-like molecules (TRITC) and nuclear terminal transferase (FITC)
was a very useful combination that distinguished common non-T, non-B ALL
(Ia+,TdT+) and thymic ALL (Ia-,TdT+) from the rare cases of B ALL
(Ia+,TdT-) and from AML (frequently Ia+, TdT-; in some cases Ia-, TdT-).
Additional antisera (such as anti-ALL, anti- HuTLA, anti-immunoglobulin
reagents, etc.) confirmed the diagnosis and further characterized the
leukemic blasts. Ia+,TdT+ cells could be observed in low numbers in normal
and nonleukemic regenerating marrow and were probably normal precursor
cells; this reagent combinations was, therefore, not useful for monitoring
residual non-T, non-B ALL blasts in treated patients. Other marker
combinations detecting pre-B ALL blasts (double staining for cytoplasmic
IgM and nuclear TdT) and Thy-ALL blasts (HuTLA+,TdT+) were, however,
virtually leukemia specific in the bone marrow and could be used to
effectively monitor residual leukemic cells throughout the disease. These
combined single-cell assays are not only economical and informative but are
also important for assessing the heterogeneity of leukemia and for
standardizing new mouse or rat monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis.
Volume 56,
Issue 3,
pp. 430-441,
09/01/1980
Copyright © 1980 by The American Society of Hematology
