Haemopoiesis in mice one year after 89Sr-induced marrow aplasia

Intact and splenectomized mice were studied 11-12 months after injection of 89SrCl, or of 88SrCl in controls. Intact 89Sr-treated mice were mildly anaemic, a state aggravated by splenectomy. Results of colony forming unit assays of blood, femoral marrow and spleens are tabulated. Microscopic histological studies showed no haematopoietic tissue in the thymus, kidneys or lymph nodes of any animal. Myeloid elements and megakaryocytes were found in the livers of splenectomized mice, more in 89Sr-treated than in control mice. Varying amounts of fibrous tissue were found replacing marrow in the femurs of 89Sr-treated animals. The findings are discussed and it is concluded that the chemically irradiated 89Sr-treated mouse may be a useful model for the study of pre-leukemic states in man. (author)