PubMed · 842508
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
I M Weisbrot. 1977. Electronic platelet counts.. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp%2F67.3.313
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Recently, several hematology analyzers have been developed to improve accuracy and to reduce manual work. The new analyzers use traditional impedance technology or optical detectors alone or in combination. The introduction of argon laser technology to clinical instruments is one new development that may permit integrated flow cytometry parameters leading to a whole new horizon in routine hematologic analyses.
As a simple method for field studies to assess the cytokine-status of patients with tuberculosis (TB), the use of whole blood instead of isolated cells has advantages, especially since the risk of contamination is minimal. Therefore, cytokine production in whole blood cultures was determined using non-specific and disease-specific stimuli. Heparinized blood from healthy volunteers was either incubated in closed vacutainer tubes or in tissue culture wells after dilution in culture medium. Dose-response and kinetics were investigated for the production of TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-1ra, IL-10 and IFNgamma. Patients with TB and healthy individuals were examined for IFN-gamma production in whole blood. In the absence of a stimulus, the production of cytokines is negligible in whole blood cultures. LPS induces the production of TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-1ra and IL-10; PHA induces the production of IFNgamma and IL-10. Live BCG induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, irrespective of tuberculin skin status. In contrast, PPD and MTB-culture filtrate induce production of IFNgamma in skin-test positive and not in skin-test negative healthy subjects. Five out of 13 patients with TB had a low antigen-specific IFNgamma production, suggestive of a minimal or absent specific T-cell response. For most purposes, cultures in closed vacutainer tubes are optimal. If one wishes to focus on T-cell cytokines or if only small volumes of blood are available, dilution of whole blood in culture medium before incubation in tissue culture wells may be preferable.
Delayed hematopoietic engraftment, particularly of platelets, is seen in 5-35% of patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. Studies indicate that delayed engraftment is related to low CD34+ cell dose, and that risk factors for poor mobilization of CD34+ cells relate primarily to the type and extent of prior therapy. Data indicating an appropriate strategy to ensure that 'hard-to-mobilize' patients will achieve adequate CD34+ cell numbers are limited. It is clear, however, that marrow harvesting (performed frequently by a number of centers), is of limited value. Remobilization, best accomplished with a regimen of high-dose chemotherapy and cytokines, is of benefit in selected patients, but has substantial costs and morbidity. Instead of ad hoc treatment of patients who have a poor first mobilization, high-risk groups should be identified prospectively, and strategies should be developed to ensure adequate mobilization in all high-risk patients. The first randomized trial utilizing this approach has recently been reported. In this trial, stem cell mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone was compared to mobilization with G-CSF combined with stem cell factor (SCF) in heavily pretreated patients with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The combination of G-CSF and SCF led to collection of a higher total CD34+ cell dose compared to G-CSF alone. Further, more patients in the combination group were able to mobilize an optimal CD34+ cell dose (ie 5 x 10(6)/kg). Additional trials are needed to determine long-term outcomes and the economic impact of achieving optimal stem cell mobilization in these patients, who would otherwise not be candidates for high-dose chemotherapy.