The Recovery of Lethally Irradiated Dogs Given Infusions of Autologous Leukocytes Preserved at -80 C

Nine normal mongrel dogs were exposed to 1200 r whole-body irradiation at 4 to 5 r per minute. They were then given intravenous infusions of 2.12 to 20 x 10⁹ autologous leukocytes that had been previously stored at -80 C. in 10 per cent dimethyl-sulfoxide.

Three dogs survived with delayed but complete hematopoietic recovery. Three showed beginning marrow regeneration but died within 3-4 weeks of irradiation. Three given less than 6 x 10⁹ cells died within 21 days. The number of leukocytes infused was critical since there was no survivor among the dogs receiving less than 9 x 10⁹ cells.

It is concluded that peripheral blood contains primitive cells capable of repopulating marrow spaces and restoring marrow function.