Separation of diploid from aneuploid cells in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

• Published in: British journal of haematology Vol. 57; no. 4; p. 571
• Main Authors: Walle, A J, Niedermayer, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.08.1984
• Subjects: Aneuploidy; Blood Cells - metabolism; Blood Cells - pathology; Cell Separation - methods; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Diploidy; DNA - blood; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphoid - blood; Leukemia, Lymphoid - pathology
• ISSN: 0007-1048
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1984.tb02934.x

A new method for the separation of diploid and aneuploid cells from blood of patients with leukaemia is described. Density gradient separation using a modified silica particle gradient was combined with analysis of cellular DNA content by flow cytometry. Submicroscopic levels of diploid or aneuploid cells were enriched up to 90% purity. Three patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and no evidence of aneuploid cells after separation are in continuing complete remission after 24.5-47 months. Two patients with aneuploid cells detected after separation expired in relapse 0.5 and 3 months later. Cell separation prior to flow cytometric analysis might be a useful tool to detect submicroscopic levels of aneuploid leukaemic cells in blood and bone marrow, and to predict impending relapse.