Effects of Permanent Mechanical Ablation of Marrow of Long Bones on Peripheral Blood of Living Rabbits

Summary

Marrow was removed from long bones of rabbits and replaced by inert material. This procedure resulted in a permanent suppression of marrow. From 11 to 41% of the total marrow was obliterated by this method. The effects on cell and hemoglobin content of peripheral blood were investigated. In most of the animals there were no significant permanent changes. Extirpation of the marrow was followed frequently by an increase in leukocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin, erythrocytes and platelets. When more than 6 marrows were ablated, some of the animals developed a slight reduction in all the elements investigated. An infrequent animal showed significant changes. Leukocytes were increased in number and the peripheral blood was suggestive of leukemia. Appearance of immature granulocytes and a high leukocyte count was associated with a reduction of hemoglobin and erythrocytes and morphologic abnormalities of red blood cells.