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Megakaryocytes skip late anaphase and cytokinesis during endomitosis. We found normal expression and localization of a fundamental regulator of mitosis, Aurora-B/AIM-1, during prophase in polyploidizing mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes. At late anaphase, however, Aurora-B/AIM-1 is absent or mislocalized. Megakaryocytes treated with a proteasome inhibitor display Aurora-B/AIM-1 properly expressed and localized to the midzone, suggesting that protein degradation contributes to this atypical appearance. In contrast, survivin, an Aurora-B/AIM-1 coregulator of mitosis, is not detected at any stage of the endomitotic cell cycle, and in most megakaryocytes proteasome inhibition does not rescue this phenotype. To further explore the importance of reduced Aurora-B/AIM-1 for polyploidization, it was overexpressed in megakaryocytes of transgenic mice. The phenotype includes increased transgenic mRNA, but not protein, in polyploidy megakaryocytes, further suggesting that Aurora-B/AIM-1 is regulated at the protein level. Aurora-B/AIM-1 protein is, however, elevated in diploid transgenic megakaryocytes. Transgenic mice also exhibit enhanced numbers of megakaryocytes with increased proliferative potential, and some mice exhibit mild decreases in ploidy level. Hence, the molecular programming involved in endomitosis is characterized by the mislocalization or absence of at least 2 critical mitotic regulators, Aurora-B/AIM-1 and survivin. Future studies will examine the impact of survivin restoration on mouse megakaryocyte polyploidization.

The coactivators CBP (Cre-element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein) and its paralogue p300 are thought to supply adaptor molecule and protein acetyltransferase functions to many transcription factors that regulate gene expression. Normal development requires CBP and p300, and mutations in these genes are found in haematopoietic and epithelial tumours. It is unclear, however, which functions of CBP and p300 are essential in vivo. Here we show that the protein-binding KIX domains of CBP and p300 have nonredundant functions in mice. In mice homozygous for point mutations in the KIX domain of p300 designed to disrupt the binding surface for the transcription factors c-Myb and CREB, multilineage defects occur in haematopoiesis, including anaemia, B-cell deficiency, thymic hypoplasia, megakaryocytosis and thrombocytosis. By contrast, age-matched mice homozygous for identical mutations in the KIX domain of CBP are essentially normal. There is a synergistic genetic interaction between mutations in c-Myb and mutations in the KIX domain of p300, which suggests that the binding of c-Myb to this domain of p300 is crucial for the development and function of megakaryocytes. Thus, conserved domains in two highly related coactivators have contrasting roles in haematopoiesis.

Fragmentation of polyploid megakaryocytes into platelets has great relevance for blood homeostasis. Apoptotic cell death is a highly regulated genetic program, which has been observed in mature megakaryocytes fragmenting into platelets. The antiapoptotic protein BclxL has been reported as up-regulated during megakaryocytic differentiation in vitro, but absent during late megakaryopoiesis. Our study focused on examining BclxL levels in megakaryocytes in vivo and in assessing the effect of its overexpression in transgenic mice (via the platelet factor 4 [PF4] promoter) on megakaryocyte development and platelet fragmentation. Interestingly, in the wild-type and less in PF4-driven transgenic mice, BclxL was not detected in a fraction of the large mature megakaryocytes, suggesting a regulation on the protein level. BclxL overexpression was associated with a moderate increase in megakaryocyte number, with no significant change in ploidy level or platelet counts. When the mice were challenged by induction of immune thrombocytopenia, the rate of platelet recovery was significantly slower in the transgenic mice as compared with controls. Moreover, proplatelet formation in vitro by transgenic megakaryocytes was limited. Transgenic megakaryocytes displayed poorly developed platelet demarcation membranes and cell margin extensions. Our study indicates that regulated expression of BclxL in megakaryocytes is important for the development of cells with a high potential to fragment into platelets.

Using an expression gene trapping strategy, we recently identified a novel gene, hematopoietic zinc finger (Hzf), which encodes a protein containing three C(2)H(2)-type zinc fingers that is predominantly expressed in megakaryocytes. Here, we have examined the in vivo function of Hzf by gene targeting and demonstrated that Hzf is essential for megakaryopoiesis and hemostasis in vivo. Hzf-deficient mice exhibited a pronounced tendency to rebleed and had reduced alpha-granule substances in both megakaryocytes and platelets. These mice also had large, faintly stained platelets, whereas the numbers of both megakaryocytes and platelets were normal. These results indicate that Hzf plays important roles in regulating the synthesis of alpha-granule substances and/or their packing into alpha-granules during the process of megakaryopoiesis.

Background and Objectives: Megakaryocytes undergo a unique cell cycle by which they replicate their complete genome many times in the absence of cytokinesis. In the search for regulators of the endomitotic cell cycle, we previously produced mice transgenic for cyclin D3 to identify this cyclin as able to enhance ploidy and to increase the number of differentiated cells in the megakaryocytic lineage. Of the D-type cyclins, cyclin D3 and to a much lesser extent cyclin D1, are present in megakaryocytes undergoing endomitosis and these cyclins are, respectively, markedly and moderately upregulated following exposure to the ploidy-promoting factor, Mpl-ligand. Our objective was to explore whether cyclin D1 can mimic the effect of cyclin D3 on ploidy in megakaryocytes., Design and Methods: We generated transgenic mice overexpressing cyclin D1 in megakaryocytes and analyzed megakaryocyte ploidy, number and platelet levels in these mice and control mice., Results: We show that transgenic mice in which cyclin D1 is overexpressed in megakaryocytes display higher ploidy level than the control mice, with no change in the number of differentiated cells of the megakaryocytic series, or in platelet level., Interpretation and Conclusions: Our models support a key role for D-type cyclins in the endomitotic cell cycle, and also indicate that although cyclin D3, from among the D cyclins, is unique in its high levels of expression in megakaryocytes, it is not unique in its ability to promote polyploidization.

Mutant gunmetal (gm/gm) mice exhibit prolonged bleeding, platelet granule defects, abnormal megakaryocyte demarcation membranes, and thrombocytopenia. The number of megakaryocytes in gm/gm mice is increased substantially. Also, the percentage of gm/gm megakaryocytes exhibiting emperipolesis is increased. However, the number of emperipolesed cells per megakaryocyte is not. EC are of several hematopoietic lineages, with a slight skew to granulocytes, and include mature, primitive, and degenerating cells. No significant differences in the types of emperipolesed cells were observed between mutant mice and their normal gm/+ or +/+ counterparts. The increased incidence of emperipolesis in gm/gm megakaryocytes is controlled by the megakaryocyte genotype, not systemic factors. A significant practical finding of these studies was the demonstration that increased emperipolesis results in a significant "right shift" in megakaryocyte ploidy determined by flow cytometry., (Copyright 1999 Academic Press.)

In the absence of the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1, mice develop thrombocytopenia and an increased number of megakaryocytes characterized by marked ultrastructural abnormalities. These observations establish a critical role for GATA-1 in megakaryopoiesis and raise the question as to how GATA-1 influences megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production. To begin to address this, we have performed a more detailed examination of the megakaryocytes and platelets produced in mice that lack GATA-1 in this lineage. Our analysis demonstrates that compared with their normal counterparts, GATA-1-deficient primary megakaryocytes exhibit significant hyperproliferation in liquid culture, suggesting that the megakaryocytosis seen in animals is nonreactive. Morphologically, these mutant megakaryocytes are small and show evidence of retarded nuclear and cytoplasmic development. A significant proportion of these cells do not undergo endomitosis and express markedly lower levels of mRNA of all megakaryocyte-associated genes tested, including GPIbalpha, GPIbbeta, platelet factor 4 (PF4), c-mpl, and p45 NF-E2. These results are consistent with regulation of a program of megakaryocytic differentiation by GATA-1. Bleeding times are significantly prolonged in mutant animals. GATA-1-deficient platelets show abnormal ultrastructure, reminiscent of the megakaryocytes from which they are derived, and exhibit modest but selective defects in platelet activation in response to thrombin or to the combination of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine. Our findings indicate that GATA-1 serves multiple functions in megakaryocyte development, influencing both cellular growth and maturation.

Wistar Furth (WF) rats have an abnormal thrombopoietic phenotype with morphologically aberrant megakaryocytes, larger than normal mean platelet volume, and platelet alpha-granule protein deficiency. Here, ultrastructural comparisons of WF rat megakaryocytes to those of rats (Wistar) with normal platelet formation during stimulated megakaryocytopoiesis following 5-fluorouracil administration, have revealed a previously unrecognized membrane structure in normal rat megakaryocytes, and two additional abnormalities in WF megakaryocytes. The novel structures were zones of electron density on the cytoplasmic face of apposed plasma membranes of adjoining normal megakaryocytes. These modified focal adhesion-type contacts were distributed at intervals between adjacent megakaryocytes, and were spaced by deposits of extracellular material. These structures also were present between apposed plasma membranes of Wistar rat megakaryocytes in unperturbed marrows, but were absent between megakaryocytes of WF rats. The second WF rat megakaryocyte abnormality is the absence of cytoplasmic dense compartments, another specialized membranous structure that is continuous with the megakaryocyte demarcation membrane system. Both the intercellular plaques and dense compartments of Wistar rat megakaryocytes were found to be rich in cytoskeletal proteins including actin, alpha-actinin, talin, and vinculin as indicated by ultrastructural immunogold labeling. We hypothesize that an abnormality in cytoskeletal protein function may be responsible for the lack of these structures in the WF rat.

Purpose: To examine the relationships among platelet counts, bone marrow megakaryocyte frequency, and circulating thrombopoietin (TPO) levels., Patients and Methods: TPO levels in 17 children and one young adult with chronic or recurrent thrombocytopenia were measured by ELISA and megakaryocyte frequency was analyzed by light microscopy. Three groups of patients were studied: Group I patients had aplastic anemia and absent or decreased megakaryocytes; Group II patients had intermittent periods of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia; and Group III patients had normal or increased megakaryocytes. Controls consisted of 77 healthy adults., Results: Patients in Group I had markedly increased TPO levels compared to normal controls. Their levels were significantly different (p = 0.03) from those of patients in Group III. The latter had normal or only mildly increased TPO levels except for one patient with myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients in Group II had markedly elevated TPO levels. After their bone marrow and platelet counts recovered from chemotherapy, their TPO levels decreased. In all three groups, a transient increase in platelet count (e.g., after platelet transfusion or anti-D immune globulin therapy) was associated with a moderate decrease in TPO., Conclusions: From this study, three conclusions can be made: 1) TPO levels are inversely related to megakaryocyte frequency; 2) platelet counts have a modest influence on TPO level; and 3) TPO levels may have clinical utility in diagnosis and management and further our understanding of the pathobiology of the disorders that cause thrombocytopenia.

Despite numerous studies investigating the action of c-mpl ligand, no reports have defined the in vivo changes in megakaryocytopoiesis in response to a single injection of this cytokine. Here we compare the kinetics of the megakaryocytopoietic response in C57BI/6J mice administered 25 micrograms/ kg or 250 micrograms/kg of pegylated (PEG) murine megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF) as a single intravenous injection. Megakaryocytes of mice treated with MGDF had normal ultrastructure, showing a typical distribution of the demarcation membrane system, alpha-granules, and other cytoplasmic organelles. Megakaryocyte ploidy, size, and frequency were markedly increased with both MGDF doses. Megakaryocyte ploidy was maximally increased from a modal value of 16N to 64N on day 3, with both doses of MGDF. Similarly, a comparable increase in megakaryocyte size occurred in the two MGDF groups. Increased megakaryocyte size was coupled to the increase in megakaryocyte ploidy, and no evidence for independent regulation of megakaryocyte size within individual ploidy classes was apparent. In contrast to megakaryocyte ploidy and size, the increase in megakaryocyte frequency was markedly different with the two doses of MGDF. The proportion of 2N and 4N cells was increased from a baseline of 0.035% to 0.430% by day 4 in mice treated with the higher dose of MGDF, but only to 0.175% in mice administered 25 micrograms/kg of MGDF. The marked increase in the pool of these immature megakaryocytes translated to a sustained elevation in the frequency of polyploid megakaryocytes (8N cells and greater). In contrast to the sustained increase in the frequency of polyploid cells, the level of polyploidization was downregulated on days 6 to 10, but normalized by day 14. We conclude that a single injection of MGDF is able to expand the megakaryocytic pool in a dose-dependent manner, which, with subsequent maturation, should lead to an increased rate of platelet production.

Platelets, essential for vascular integrity and hemostasis, fragment from polyploid megakaryocytes, characterized by their endomitotic cell cycle. We studied the influence of overexpression of c-myc oncogene on megakaryopoiesis and endomitosis in vivo, using transgenic mice carrying c-myc fused to the estrogen receptor under the control of the platelet factor 4 (PF4) megakaryocyte-specific promoter. The rationale behind this strategy was to obtain controlled overexpression of an active c-Myc, depending on the estrogen level in the mouse circulation. Analysis of these transgenic mice revealed that the bone marrow of female transgenic mice or of estrogen-injected male transgenic mice, but not of age-matched transgenic males nor nontransgenic females, contained frequent immature myeloid cells and an increased number of megakaryocytes. Deregulated expression of c-Myc shifted the normal ploidy profile of megakaryocytes due to a significant increase in proliferating megakaryocytes and a decrease in the fraction of ploidizing cells. These transgenic mice represent a novel in vivo model for a Myc-induced myeloproliferative disorder which can be controlled.

Despite the importance of blood platelets in health and disease, the mechanisms regulating their formation within megakaryocytes are unknown. We generated mice lacking the hematopoietic subunit (p45) of the heterodimeric erythroid transcription factor NF-E2. Unexpectedly, NF-E2-/- mice lack circulating platelets and die of hemorrhage; their megakaryocytes show no cytoplasmic platelet formation. Though platelets are absent, serum levels of the growth factor thrombopoietin/MGDF are not elevated above controls. Nonetheless, NF-E2-/- megakaryocytes proliferate in vivo in response to thrombopoietin administration. Thus, as an essential factor for megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production, NF-E2 must regulate critical target genes independent of the action of thrombopoietin. These findings provide insight into the genetic analysis of megakaryocyte maturation and thrombopoiesis.

Hereditary macrothrombocytopenia and prolonged bleeding times are associated with the recessive mouse pigment dilution gene gunmetal (gm). Other platelet abnormalities include a mild storage pool deficiency and abnormal expression of two low-molecular-weight guanosine triphosphate binding proteins. These studies were designed to further elucidate the cause of the macrothrombocytopenia. The life span of gunmetal mouse platelets was not significantly different from normal. However, rates of platelet synthesis, measured by sulfate incorporation, were decreased to 25% of normal values. Bone marrow transplantation of normal marrow cells corrected the thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, direct morphologic analysis of mature mutant marrow megakaryocytes by transmission electron microscopy showed reductions in the normal cytoplasmic demarcation membrane system, areas of abnormal membrane complexes, and an increased incidence of emperipolesis. Mutant platelets were relatively more heterogeneous in size and contained unusual elongated and striated inclusions. Mutant megakaryocyte numbers were increased threefold to fivefold over normal numbers in marrow and spleen. Thus, the efficiency of platelet production from gunmetal megakaryocytes is reduced by an order of magnitude. Mutant marrow had a greater proportion of 32N and a smaller proportion of 8N megakaryocytes. Collectively, the results indicate that the gunmetal gene acts intrinsically in megakaryocytes and that an abnormality in this gene causes significant qualitative and quantitative effects on platelet production.

Abnormal organization of platelet microtubules is associated with abnormal platelet formation in hereditary macrothrombocytopenias such as the gray platelet syndrome, May-Hegglin anomaly, and Epstein's syndrome, and that of the Wistar Furth rat, suggesting that aberrant microtubule organization may contribute to defective platelet formation in these clinical entities. Here, we examined the consequence of microtubule disruption on the organization of megakaryocyte cytoplasmic organelles using the microtubule depolymerizing agent, vincristine (VCR). Wistar rat bone marrow was fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy after VCR administration alone, after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration alone, or after 5-FU followed by intravenous injection of 0.1-1.0 mg/kg VCR for intervals of 30 min to 8 hr. 5-FU was given to increase megakaryocyte frequency to facilitate ultrastructural evaluations. VCR alone or in combination with 5-FU caused formation of large membrane complexes in the cytoplasm of Wistar rat megakaryocytes at all dosages studied, identical to those found in megakaryocytes of human hereditary macrothrombocytopenias and the Wistar Furth rat. The proportion of megakaryocytes with these large membrane complexes increased with time after 5-FU and VCR, and was maximal (approximately two-thirds of megakaryocytes) at VCR dosages of 0.75-1.0 mg/kg. The majority of megakaryocytes displayed other abnormalities, including blebbing of plasma membranes, an increased number of dense compartments, dilated demarcation membrane (DMS) channels, which contained dense material immunocytochemically identified as secreted alpha-granule proteins, and an increased incidence of emperipolesis. Rats administered 5-FU alone did not demonstrate these abnormalities, with the exception of an increase in dense compartments. Platelets from rats treated with VCR alone or 5-FU and VCR also showed abnormalities including membrane complexes, rounded shape, formation of tubulin paracrystals, development of membrane blebs, and the presence of proteinaceous material within the cisternae of the surface-connected canalicular system (SCCS). The membrane complexes in platelets of 5-FU-, VCR-treated Wistar rats as well as untreated Wistar Furth rats were composed of elements of both the SCCS and dense tubular system; membrane complexes in megakaryocytes of 5-FU-, VCR-treated rats were composed of both DMS and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that intact microtubules play a major role in the organization of the megakaryocyte DMS and may contribute to the stability of megakaryocyte alpha-granules.

Our previous data suggested that the higher average ploidy of C3H mouse megakaryocytes is the result of interaction of multiple alleles that act in an additive fashion. Average megakaryocyte DNA content increased with the proportion of C3H genotype. Other factors also influence megakaryocyte ploidy; male mice had megakaryocytes of higher ploidy than did female mice, and the genes that determine megakaryocyte ploidy had a differential expression, depending on the sex of the parent, a finding that suggests genomic imprinting. The role of genotype (and, thus, megakaryocyte DNA content) on other parameters of platelet production and megakaryocytopoiesis has not been examined. Therefore, we report the effects of genotype on platelet counts, platelet sizes, percent 35S incorporation into platelets, total circulating platelet counts (TCPC), total circulating platelet masses (TCPM), megakaryocyte size and number, and total megakaryocyte masses (TMM). Platelet counts of male mice were inversely related to the proportion of C3H genotype. In other words, male mice with a higher proportion of C3H genotype had lower platelet counts than did male mice with predominantly C57BL genotype (p = 0.04). None of the other platelet production indices were significantly correlated with the C3H genotype content of the offspring. However, a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.0001 for males and p < 0.003 for females) was found between megakaryocyte size and megakaryocyte ploidy. Although no significant difference in megakaryocyte numbers was noted, TMM of male mice was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with megakaryocyte ploidy. Male mice had higher platelet counts, percent 35S incorporation into platelet values, TCPC, and TCPM than did female mice, but platelet sizes were the same for both sexes. Megakaryocyte sizes, numbers, and TMM were higher in male than female offspring of some matings, but in several cases, sex did not appear to affect these parameters. Previous work has shown that this difference in platelet production capabilities due to sex of the mouse is most likely caused by male sex hormones. Evidence of different genetic expression (genomic imprinting), depending on the sex of the parent, was found in platelet counts and TCPC of certain backcrosses of female mice and in platelet sizes of male mice (p < 0.05). Therefore, we show that genotype, male sex hormones, and genomic imprinting influence platelet production in mice, but platelet counts of male mice were negatively correlated with size and DNA content of megakaryocytes.

C3H mice have higher average ploidy megakaryocytes than all other mouse strains tested, but the mode of inheritance of this anomaly is unknown. Therefore, to clarify the genetics of high ploidy megakaryocytes in C3H mice, we measured megakaryocyte DNA content from both male and female offspring from F1, as well as backcross matings. In all, offspring from seven different matings of mice were studied: (1) C57BL X C57BL (the first strain listed is the male parent in each case), (2) B6C3F1 (offspring from C57BL X C3H mating) X C57BL, (3) C57BL X B6C3F1, (4) C57BL X C3H, (5) C3H X B6C3F1, (6) B6C3F1 X C3H, and (7) C3H X C3H. The polyploid megakaryocyte DNA content distributions of the offspring from these matings show that C3H mice have higher percentages of high ploidy megakaryocytes than did all other mice. Also, male mice had significantly higher percentages of high ploidy (32N and 64N) megakaryocytes than did female mice for all matings, except backcross mating no. 6. The megakaryocyte DNA content for individual offspring of a given backcross appeared to form a single, continuous distribution, rather than segregate into two distinct groups, suggesting that the higher megakaryocyte DNA content of C3H mice is caused by involvement of multiple allelles. This conclusion is further supported by our finding that the frequency of high ploidy megakaryocytes among offspring of the various matings was related to the proportion of C3H genotype contributed by the parents, ie, average megakaryocyte DNA content increased linearly (r2 = .88 for male mice and .84 for female mice. P < .0001) with increasing C3H gene dosage; the correlations for both male and female mice were essentially parallel (slope = 0.08 and 0.09, respectively). In addition, we found an effect of genomic imprinting on megakaryocyte DNA content in backcross offspring. The genetic imprinting was characterized by the female parent having a greater influence on the offspring's megakaryocyte DNA content than the male parent, ie, although the overall genetic makeup was the same, female offspring from backcross no. 6 (in which the female was C3H) had higher average megakaryocyte ploidy values than those from backcross no. 5 (in which the female was B6C3F1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

In an effort to explain the different platelet production capabilities of male and female mice, megakaryocyte and platelet indices were measured on castrated male and oophorectomized female C3H and BALB/c mice, along with suitable intact controls. In agreement with our previous work, intact male BALB/c mice had higher platelet counts and percent incorporation of sulfur 35 into platelet values than did intact female BALB/c mice. Also, both intact BALB/c and C3H male mice had higher platelet counts than their castrated counterparts. Fewer femoral megakaryocytes were found in intact BALB/c and C3H male mice than in their female counterparts (p less than 0.05), but only BALB/c male mice had larger megakaryocytes than BALB/c female mice (p less than 0.0005). Castration caused increased numbers and decreased sizes of megakaryocytes (p less than 0.05) in both strains of mice, but oophorectomy did not change the characteristics of megakaryocytes in these mice. In all treatment groups, C3H mice had megakaryocytes with higher average deoxyribonucleic acid content than did BALB/c mice (p less than 0.0005), that is, BALB/c mice had greater percentages of 8N and 16N megakaryocytes than did C3H mice, but C3H mice had higher proportions of 32N and 64N megakaryocytes than did BALB/c mice (p less than 0.05 to p less than 0.0005). Although a difference in megakaryocyte ploidy was not detected between intact male and intact female C3H mice, BALB/c female mice had elevated percentages of low ploidy classes (8N) when compared with BALB/c male mice (p less than 0.005). Intact male C3H mice had higher percentages of 16N megakaryocytes (p less than 0.05) than did their neutered counterparts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rats of the Wistar Furth (WF) strain have hereditary macrothrombocytopenia with decreased platelet alpha-granule proteins. The autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance of the large mean platelet volume (MPV) phenotype and platelet alpha-granule protein deficiencies suggest that a component common to both formation of platelet alpha-granules and subdivision of megakaryocyte cytoplasm into platelets is quantitatively or qualitatively abnormal in WF megakaryocytes and platelets. We examined WF platelets for such an abnormality using electrophoretic and immunologic analyses. Rabbit antiserum prepared against WF rat platelets and absorbed with Wistar rat platelets recognized a major 235-Kd band, and minor bands of WF rat platelets ranging from 200 to 130 Kd, not present in immunoblots of Wistar, Sprague-Dawley, or Long-Evans rat platelets. The minor bands were labeled with affinity-isolated antibody to the 235-Kd band, indicating that all bands contained the same unique antigenic site. The 235-Kd antigen had the same mobility as rat platelet talin identified with a platelet antitalin antibody. Activation of calcium-dependent proteases during Triton X-100 extraction caused conversion of the 235-Kd antigen into a major fragment of 200 Kd and minor fragments ranging to 115 Kd, identical in mobility to fragments of rat platelet talin produced in the same samples. The absorbed anti-WF platelet antiserum also detected a 235-Kd antigen in WF lung, kidney, and small intestine by immunoblotting. Finally, the 235-Kd antigen unique to WF rats was immunoprecipitated from Triton X-100 supernatants of WF platelets with an antitalin monoclonal antibody (MoAb). These data indicate that the unique antigenic site is on WF talin. Examination of talin distribution in Wistar megakaryocytes showed localization beneath the plasma membrane, on the cytosolic face of demarcation membranes, associated with alpha-granule membranes, and diffusely throughout the cytoplasm. Although WF megakaryocytes showed the same general distribution pattern, some differences were apparent. In contrast to membrane systems of the Wistar rat, the large membrane complexes in WF megakaryocytes contained little or no talin. In addition, approximately half of WF megakaryocytes showed an increased peripheral localization of talin, often associated with membrane blebs, with decreased talin in the cytoplasmic interior. The association of the unique talin antigenic determinant and anomalous megakaryocyte talin distribution with abnormal platelet formation in WF rats suggests that talin is abnormal in this rat strain and that talin plays an important role in subdivision of megakaryocyte cytoplasm into platelets.

Platelet count during uncomplicated pregnancy shows considerable patient variation. To gain a better understanding of thrombocytopoiesis during pregnancy, megakaryocytes and platelets were examined during gestation and the early postpartum period, using as a model the rat. Platelet counts and megakaryocyte concentrations and DNA content distributions of timed-pregnant rats were examined at intervals from day 10 of gestation through parturition on day 22 and days 1 through 7 postpartum. Platelet survival was studied in late gestation and the early postpartum. Platelet volume was measured on gestation day 21. Platelet counts were moderately increased on gestation days 17 and 19 through 22, and on days 2 to 3 postpartum. However, the actual rate of platelet production was much higher than the platelet count suggests because the blood volume increased in late gestation to 1.5 times the nonpregnant level. Mean platelet volume and platelet volume distribution width of day 21 gestation rats were not significantly altered. Platelet survival in pregnant rats was not significantly different from that in nonpregnant females. In contrast, megakaryocyte concentration was significantly increased on gestation days 12, 17, and 19 through 21, and 2 to 3 days postpartum. In addition, in late gestation, megakaryocyte DNA content distributions displayed a marked increase in the proportion of high ploidy cells, which peaked 1 day before parturition. At that time, the proportions of 32N (43%) and 64N cells (3%) were, respectively, three and four times nonpregnant values. In contrast to megakaryocyte concentration, megakaryocyte DNA content distributions had returned to the nonpregnant pattern by day 1 postpartum. The changes in megakaryocyte DNA content distribution were accompanied by changes in megakaryocyte size. These data indicate that thrombopoiesis is substantially increased during late pregnancy, and that this increase is accomplished through an increase in megakaryocyte DNA content and size, as well as megakaryocyte number. The more rapid return of megakaryocyte DNA content than of megakaryocyte concentration to nonpregnant levels postpartum suggests that pregnancy-associated hormonal changes which produce an increase in megakaryocyte DNA content and size differ from those which cause an increase in megakaryocyte number.

In an effort to explain the different platelet production capabilities of both normal and hypoxic male and female C3H and BALB/c mice, megakaryocyte size and number were determined utilizing bone marrow from both normal and hypoxic mice. The results indicate that normal BALB/c female mice have increased numbers of megakaryocytes, but of smaller size compared with either BALB/c male mice or to both sexes of C3H mice. An inverse relationship between the size and number of megakaryocytes was found in both normal and hypoxic mice; therefore, to evaluate total megakaryocyte characteristics, we calculated total megakaryocyte masses (TMM). With hypoxia, megakaryocyte number decreased, whereas megakaryocyte size increased. Despite the increase in megakaryocyte size, hypoxia caused a significant decrease in TMM (P less than 0.005) in all mice, but female C3H mice had higher TMM (P less than 0.05) than did female BALB/c mice. These data show that hypoxia decreases TMM in mice, and that the effect is greater in C3H mice than in BALB/c mice.

Thrombocytopenia develops with prolonged exposure to hypoxia. Although decreases in megakaryocyte numbers due to hypoxia have been well documented, the effects of hypoxia on megakaryocyte DNA content have not been reported. In this study, megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production were compared in both C3H mice (whose megakaryocyte modal ploidy class is 32N) and C57/BL mice (whose modal ploidy class is 16N), by enclosure in cages covered with silicone-rubber membranes. After equilibration, O2 levels inside the cages were 6%-7%. Hematocrits, platelet counts, platelet sizes, percent 35S incorporation into platelets, megakaryocyte size and number, and megakaryocyte DNA content of mice were measured before and at various days after hypoxia. Although hematocritis increased and platelet counts decreased in both strains of mice with time in hypoxic chambers, megakaryocyte and platelet responses of C3H mice differed from those of C57/BL mice in several respects; hematocrits of C3H mice were higher and platelet counts were lower than those in C57/BL mice. C3H mice produced larger platelets than C57/BL mice in response to hypoxia. Total circulating platelet counts (TCPC) and total circulating platelet masses (TCPM) of both mouse strains showed similar biphasic responses, that is, elevated TCPC and TCPM on days 2-4 and decreased values after 6-14 days of hypoxia. However, hypoxic C3H mice had lower TCPC on days 4-14 and lower TCPM on days 10-14 of hypoxia than C57/BL mice. Both C3H and C57/BL mice had decreased megakaryocyte numbers at 6-10 days of hypoxia, but only C3H mice had decreased numbers of megakaryocytes at day 14. Elevated megakaryocyte size was observed in both mouse strains at day 14 of hypoxia. However, after hypoxia, C3H mice showed a greater depression in megakaryocyte number and a larger increase in megakaryocyte sizes than did C57/BL mice. C3H mice maintained 32N as the modal megakaryocyte DNA content through day 10 of hypoxia, but 64N was the modal megakaryocyte DNA content at day 14; 16N remained the modal megakaryocyte DNA content in hypoxic C57/BL mice. Hypoxic C3H mice had an increase in 16N megakaryocytes after 6 days of hypoxia, followed by an increase in the proportion of 64N cells at 14 days compared to values of untreated C3H control mice. Hypoxic C57/BL mice had an increased proportion of 16N cells at 6 days but a decreased proportion of 32N cells at 14 days. These studies demonstrate that the decreased platelet production resulting from prolonged exposure to hypoxia is primarily the result of decreased differentiation of hematopoietic precursors into the megakaryocyte lineage rather than decreased megakaryocyte DNA content, because higher ploidy classes actually increase as thrombocytopenia becomes more severe. Stem cell competition could explain the findings of reduced platelet production and increased red blood cell production in both strains of mice after exposure to hypoxia.

The modal DNA content of normal marrow megakaryocytes from species so far examined usually has been reported to be 16N. In this report we describe an exception in the C3H mouse whose megakaryocytes have a modal DNA content of 32N. Female C3H/HEN mice had an average DNA content distribution of 14% 8N, 37% 16N, 43% 32N, and 6% 64N. Male C3H/HEN mice had somewhat higher proportions of 32N and 64N megakaryocytes (average DNA content distribution of 12% 8N, 29% 16N, 47% 32N, and 12% 64N) than females. All 11 other mouse strains examined had 16N as the modal megakaryocyte DNA content, although the proportions in the various polyploid DNA classes showed some strain variation. Megakaryocyte size was similar among all 12 strains evaluated, and mean platelet volume (MPV) of C3H/HEN mice differed from only 1 of the other 4 strains analyzed. Platelet counts of C3H/HEN mice were similar to those of six, and slightly but significantly lower than those of five other mouse strains examined. Compared with megakaryocyte concentrations of other mouse strains studied, that of C3H/HEN mice was similar to seven, somewhat higher than one, and slightly lower than three strains. Offspring from reciprocal matings of C57BL/6 and C3H/HEN mice had megakaryocyte DNA distributions intermediate between those of the parent strains, suggesting that a higher gene dosage of some component is responsible for the right-shifted megakaryocyte DNA content distribution phenotype of C3H mice. The proportions of 32N and 64N megakaryocytes increased in C3H/HEN mice in response to acute thrombocytopenia, as did those of CBA/CAJ mice used as a comparative strain. In summary, megakaryocytes of the C3H mouse have a higher average DNA content but similar platelet count, MPV, and megakaryocyte size and concentration as those of most other mouse strains. These results suggest that the number of platelets produced per unit of C3H megakaryocyte DNA is less than that for other mice.

Rodents treated with 150 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) exhibit a marked and prolonged rebound thrombocytosis, suggesting that feedback control of one or more megakaryocyte characteristics (size, polyploidy, or concentration) is altered. To determine the changes in megakaryocytes that lead to such a profound thrombocytosis, C3H mice were injected with 150 mg/kg 5-FU, and platelet and megakaryocyte responses were examined at frequent intervals from days 1 through 25. After 5-FU injection, all megakaryocyte indices decreased, as did platelet number. However, the decrease in platelets to one third of control was greater than the decreases in megakaryocyte indices, suggesting that thrombocytopoiesis was ineffective from days 3 through 7 post 5-FU. Megakaryocyte size began to recover on day 4, followed by polyploid DNA content on day 5, and megakaryocyte concentration and platelets at 7.5 days. Megakaryocyte size peaked on days 6 through 8 (1.25 x normal), followed by megakaryocyte polyploid DNA content on day 8, megakaryocyte concentration on days 9 through 12 (2 1/2 to 3x normal), and platelets on days 12 through 15 (2x normal). Platelet levels are thought to be important in the feedback regulation of megakaryocytes; however, only polyploid DNA content distributions showed a close inverse relationship to platelet counts during both the recovery and rebound thrombocytosis phases after 5-FU. In contrast, megakaryocyte size peaked before platelet recovery commenced, while megakaryocyte concentration increased in parallel with platelets from 7.5 to 10 days post 5-FU and continued to be maintained at 2 to 3 times normal through day 13, despite platelet levels that were more than twice normal. Both megakaryocyte size and polyploid DNA content distributions shifted toward lower values in response to the rebound thrombocytosis (DNA content on day 10 and size on days 12 and 13). Splenectomy did not substantially alter the pattern of post 5-FU rebound thrombocytosis or megakaryocyte response from that seen in intact mice, indicating that splenic megakaryocytes are not responsible for the prolonged thrombocytosis seen after this drug. In summary, the prolonged thrombocytosis after 5-FU administration results from failure to down-regulate the number of precursors entering the differentiating megakaryocyte compartment. These data indicate that megakaryocyte size and DNA content are responsive to different feedback controls than megakaryocyte concentration in this model system.

A thrombocytopoiesis-stimulating factor (TSF or thrombopoietin) is known to increase the size and number of mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes, to increase the proportion of megakaryocytes in endomitosis, and to increase the number of small acetylcholinesterase-positive cells. Megakaryocyte ploidy values have not previously been measured in mice treated with TSF from human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Therefore, in the present study C3H mice were injected with approximately 4 U of step II TSF; platelet production indices and megakaryocyte ploidy values were measured 1-5 days after treatment. For controls, other mice were injected with saline, human serum albumin (HSA), normal rabbit serum (NRS), or rabbit anti-mouse platelet serum (RAMPS). Platelet counts, platelet sizes, and percent 35S incorporation into platelets were measured using standard techniques. For measurement of megakaryocyte DNA content, bone marrow cells were collected into CATCH medium and incubated with RAMPS, followed by labeling with a saturating concentration of fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin F(ab')2 fragment. After washing, the cells were resuspended in propidium iodide, and DNA content was measured by flow cytometry. When compared to suitable control values, the results showed that TSF caused a significant (p less than 0.025) increase in platelet counts of treated mice by 3 days; both TSF and RAMPS caused significant (p less than 0.0005) increases in platelet sizes and percent 35S incorporation into platelets of mice at 2 and 3 days after treatment. The most frequent polyploid DNA class of megakaryocytes from untreated C3H mice was 32N, confirming our previous observation. Both TSF and RAMPS caused significant (p less than 0.0005) increases in the average polyploid megakaryocyte DNA content, with peak values on days 2 and 3. These data show that TSF administered in vivo significantly increases DNA content of mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes.

During the early stages of their differentiation, megakaryocytes become polyploid through repeated DNA replication and endomitotic cycles without cytokinesis. The molecular basis for the process of polyploidization remains unknown. This review summarizes available information on the cell biology of the process of endomitosis.

The DNA content of normal megakaryocytes usually ranges from 8N to 64N, with 16N as the modal DNA content. The frequency of cells at each DNA content can be altered by experimental induction of thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis or marrow ablation, and in various disease states; however, the mechanisms and regulation involved in the process of polyploidization remain obscure. This discussion will focus on genetic and physiologic variations in megakaryocyte DNA content distributions. The genetic variations are those we have observed among mouse strains, with the most pronounced present in several C3H substrains in which the modal megakaryocyte DNA content is 32N, rather than 16N. The physiologic variation reported here is a shift to the right in megakaryocyte DNA content distributions during late pregnancy in the rat.

Appropriate low dosages of vincristine stimulate megakaryocytopoiesis and produce thrombocytosis. In this study of the thrombocytotic action of vincristine, administration of a single dose of 0.1 mg/kg to rats produced an increase in megakaryocyte concentration, diameter and 24 h [3H]thymidine labelling index. Transfusion of one body equivalent of platelets from normal donors prevented stimulation of megakaryocytopoiesis by vincristine whereas platelets from vincristine-treated donors did not. These results suggest that vincristine stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis by altering the functional role of circulating platelets in the regulation of thrombopoiesis.

Animals with hereditary abnormalities of hematopoiesis are quite useful in the study of regulatory pathways of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet formation. Seven such animal models are analyzed here. The Wistar Furth rat has been recently discovered to have reduced platelet number, but large mean platelet volume, and is, therefore, a model of hereditary macrothrombocytopenia. Study of the Wistar Furth rat may help to elucidate the process of platelet formation. Two mouse mutants the S1/S1d and W/Wv, have macrocytic anemia with reduced megakaryocyte number, but normal platelet count. In these mice, the platelet count is maintained by increased platelet production per megakaryocyte. These models demonstrate that factors other than platelet level are monitored in the feedback regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production, and further study should lead to a better understanding of the regulation of megakaryocyte size. The Belgrade rat has severe microcytic anemia with decreased megakaryocyte number. Megakaryocyte size is increased, but platelet count is moderately reduced and thus the megakaryocyte-platelet picture resembles that of severe iron deficiency anemia. A more in depth examination of this model should delineate the effects of iron deficiency and hypoxia on megakaryocytopoiesis. The grey collie dog has cyclic hematopoiesis with large asynchronous fluctuations in all blood cell counts at approximately 2-week intervals. Megakaryocytes have not been studied. This model should be a tool to define the relationships between hematopoietic growth factors and differentiation of the various hematopoietic cell lineages. The br/br rabbit has a transient disturbance in fetal megakaryocytopoiesis and brachydactyly due to spontaneous amputation. Further study of this model may provide a better understanding of fetal megakaryocyte development and establish whether an association exists between the abnormal megakaryocytes and the limb amputations. The nude mouse with its severe T-lymphocyte deficiency has been studied to ascertain whether T cells play a regulatory role in normal and acute thrombocytopenia-stimulated megakaryocytopoiesis. The question of whether T cells or their products are responsible for reactive thrombocytosis in chronic inflammation could be examined with this model. These animal mutants have provided and should continue to provide important models for understanding the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production.

Rats were made acutely thrombocytopenic by injection of antiplatelet serum. Marrow sections and squash preparations were made at intervals during 120 hr. Determinations were made of mitotic index, stage of maturation, ploidy level, and cell size of megakaryocytes; number and size of platelets were measured. Increased endomitosis among megakaryocytes was followed by an increase in the proportion of immature megakaryocytes, a greater average ploidy level of recognized megakaryocytes, and larger megakaryocytes. Maximum changes in these several parameters occurred between 32 and 72 hr after induction of thrombocytopenia. By 120 hr all megakarocyte parameters were near normal. For about 3 days, beginning at about 36 hr, platelet numbers increased rapidly. Average platelet size rose and returned to normal within about 60 hr. Changes in ploidy and size of megakaryocytes were measured in the immature and mature maturation stages. The results suggest that the initial stimulus in response to acute thrombocytopenia acts primarily on diploid precursors, programming them to mature into a population of megakaryocytes with an average ploidy approximately one level greater than in normal rats and a proportionate increase in cell size. The larger megakaryocytes presumably produce more platelets, accounting for a major part of the increased rate of platelet production. Since the changes in megakaryocytes begin to reverse before circulating platelet numbers have reached the normal level, reversal of the stimulus appears to be initiated by some change other than platelet mass.

Hypertransfusion can enhance myeloid recovery after bone marrow depletion, but its influence on thrombopoietic recovery has not been previously defined. We have studied the pattern of platelet and megakaryocyte recovery in mice hypertransfused after receiving 350 rad whole body irradiation. The platelet counts of the hypertransfused group showing an initial fall due to hemodilution in the expanded blood volume and then fell to a lower nadir than that of the control mice. The rate of platelet recovery was more rapid in the hypertransfused mice. Bone marrow megakaryocyte concentrations in both groups showed a degenerative phase, abortive rise, and regenerative phase. The decrease in megakaryocytes was the same in both groups. The hypertransfused mice showed a greater abortive rise in megakaryocyte concentration preceded by the appearance of a greater number of large megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. However, the most striking effect of hypertransfusion was on megakaryocyte recovery. Although the time of onset of recovery was not different, the rate of recovery was approximately twice as rapid in the hypertransfused group. Administration of daily erythropoietin to hypertransfused mice abolished this more rapid recovery. Thus, the presence of a simultaneous demand for erythroid precursors does affect the rate of megakaryocyte regeneration. Just as the more rapid recovery of granulopoiesis following hypertransfusion may be clinically beneficial, the more rapid reconstitution of thrombopoiesis may also offer clinical advantage in some circcumstances.

To gain insight into the regulation of megakaryocyte precursors in vivo, we assayed (in vitro) megakaryocyte growth-promoting activity (Meg-GPA) in plasma of rats in which both marrow hypoplasia and thrombocytopenia had been induced by irradiation. Rats received whole body irradiation of 834 rad from a 137Cs source. Plasma was collected at intervals of hours to days, up through day 21 postirradiation, and was tested, at a concentration of 30%, for Meg-GPA on bone marrow cells cultured in 1.1% methylcellulose with 5 X 10(-5) M 2-mercaptoethanol. With normal rat plasma, no megakaryocyte colonies (defined as greater than or equal to 4 megakaryocytes) were seen and only a few single megakaryocytes and clusters (defined as 2 or 3 megakaryocytes) were formed. Two peaks of plasma Meg-GPA were observed after irradiation. The first appeared at 12 hr, before any decrease in marrow megakaryocyte concentration or platelet count. The second occurred on days 10-14 after irradiation, after the nadir in megakaryocyte concentration and while platelet counts were at their lowest levels. A dose-response study of plasma concentration and megakaryocyte growth, using plasma collected 11 days postirradiation, demonstrated that patterns of megakaryocyte growth were related to plasma concentration; formation of single megakaryocytes was optimal over a range of 20%-30% plasma concentration, while cluster and colony formation were optimal at a plasma concentration of 30%. All forms of megakaryocyte growth were decreased with 40% plasma. There was a linear relationship between the number of bone marrow cells plated and growth of single cells, clusters, and colonies using a concentration of 30% plasma collected 11 days after irradiation. We conclude that irradiation causes time-related increases in circulating megakaryocyte growth-promoting activity. We suggest that the irradiated rat is a good model for studying the relationships between Meg-GPA and megakaryocyte and platelet concentration in vivo.

The ploidy distribution of megakaryocytes shifts in response to platelet demand and thus provides a sensitive index of megakaryocytopoiesis. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a potentially valuable method for rapid determination of ploidy distributions of megakaryocyte populations; however, because megakaryocytes constitute only a very small proportion of the cells in unfractionated marrow, other rare events, such as cell clumping, complicate FCM analysis. We describe the measurement of cellular DNA distributions of megakaryocytes by two-color FCM in unfixed, unfractionated marrow--a method based on the resistance of megakaryocytes to hypotonic lysis in the cold for at least 2 days. Specific platelet antiserum was used to label megakaryocytes by indirect immunofluorescence with fluorescein (green fluorescence), and DNA was stained with propidium iodide (red fluorescence) in hypotonic citrate solution. The ploidy distribution of megakaryocytes was selectively determined with two-color, green-gated FCM, with which the red and green fluorescence of all cells is analyzed, but only the red fluorescence (DNA content) of cells that specifically bound the platelet antibody is recorded. We demonstrate that this method can readily detect changes in megakaryocyte DNA distributions due to experimental thrombocytopenia or platelet hypertransfusion and, therefore, should be useful for both experimental and clinical investigations of megakaryocytopoiesis.

Small megakaryocytes are frequently seen in patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). In this study, median megakaryocyte diameters were determined in marrow biopsy specimens of 32 children at diagnosis of ANLL and related to platelet count and chemotherapeutic response. The association between median megakaryocyte size and time-to-failure was striking. Seven of 9 patients with median megakaryocyte diameters greater than 20 microns remain in continuous complete remission for more than 3 yr, whereas 20 of 23 patients with smaller median megakaryocyte diameters failed therapy within 15 mo (p = 0.002). By Cox-regression analysis, megakaryocyte size had independent prognostic value (p less than 0.001), surpassing that of spleen size, the only other feature having significant association with time-to-failure. Megakaryocyte size at diagnosis may be useful for predicting the likelihood of prolonged complete remission in ANLL.

We have investigated whether megakaryocytes can be aggregated by ristocetin and bovine plasma and whether such aggregation can be used as a step in the purification of megakaryocytes from marrow cell suspensions. Guinea pig marrow cell suspensions were first enriched for megakaryocytes by density equilibrium centrifugation in continuous Percoll density gradients. The megakaryocyte-enriched marrow was stirred in a platelet aggregometer to which ristocetin or bovine plasma was added. Megakaryocytes were aggregated by both ristocetin and bovine plasma with the proportion aggregated being related to the concentration of ristocetin or bovine plasma. Maximal aggregation (greater than 90% of megakaryocytes) was achieved with 2.0 mg/mL ristocetin or 5% bovine plasma and required five minutes. All maturation stages of morphologically recognizable megakaryocytes were aggregated. The megakaryocyte aggregates were separated from the marrow suspension by sedimentation at 1 g and the megakaryocytes disaggregated by dilution with media (ristocetin aggregated) or addition of dextran sulfate (bovine plasma aggregated). Megakaryocyte purity and recovery were higher with bovine plasma than with ristocetin. A mean of 92% of the megakaryocytes in the bovine plasma aggregated cell suspensions were recovered with megakaryocytes constituting an average of 76% of the final cell suspensions. The viability as well as the diameters and DNA content distribution of these megakaryocytes were similar to those of the starting population. We conclude that guinea pig megakaryocytes behave like platelets in that they can be aggregated with ristocetin or bovine plasma and that megakaryocyte aggregation induced by ristocetin or bovine plasma provides a means to enrich these cells based on membrane rather than physical characteristics. This approach yields purified megakaryocyte populations that are representative of those in unfractionated marrow.

We examined the relationship between rat megakaryocyte buoyant density and maturation stage in continuous Percoll density gradients. An average of 88% of megakaryocytes had buoyant densities less than 1.054 g/ml. There was an inverse relationship between megakaryocyte buoyant density and maturation. Morphologically mature forms comprised 90% of the megakaryocytes with buoyant densities of 1.030-1.033 g/ml. In contrast, immature morphology was present in three-quarters of megakaryocytes with buoyant densities of 1.042-1.046 g/ml. These morphological findings were confirmed by [3H]thymidine labelling studies. Cell viability assessed by trypan blue exclusion was highest among more dense megakaryocytes of which the majority were immature. The lowest trypan blue exclusion was found in the less dense, predominantly mature megakaryocytes indicating that these cells are more susceptible to membrane damage during marrow suspension. Megakaryocyte DNA content distributions and platelet antigen levels, determined by two-colour flow cytometry, were also related to megakaryocyte density; the more dense megakaryocytes showed an approximately two-fold higher proportion of 8N cells and less platelet antibody binding than did less dense megakaryocytes. These studies suggest that megakaryocytes can be fractionated according to their buoyant densities into immature and mature populations suitable for molecular studies of differentiation.