Protein Synthesis in Human Reticulocytes Induced by Therapy of Megaloblastic Anemia

The capacity for protein synthesis has been investigated in peripheral blood reticulocytes which appear following initial replacement therapy in megaloblastic anemia. The rate of protein synthesis during the reticulocyte response correlated in general with the reticulocytosis. There appears to be no defect in the synthesis of protein in these cells. Evaluation of ribosome content and activity suggests that the cells appearing during the reticulocyte response are considerably heterogeneous with respect to degree of maturity. Changes observed during the course of the reticulocyte response are similar to those seen in maturing rabbit reticulocytes, suggesting that these cells mature subsequent to their appearance in the peripheral blood.