Implantation of Functional Erythropoietic Elements Following Total-Body Irradiation.

Rats have been irradiated with doses of X-rays in the LD50 range and subsequently injected with homologous bone marrow carrying an immunogenetic marker. Erythrocytes carrying the label can be detected in the peripheral circulation of these animals within 2 to 3 weeks after administration of the marrow; unirradiated but marrow-injected controls do not show erythrocytes from the implant. Marrow implants have persisted and functioned for as long as 147 days at the time of this communication. The implanted marrow contributes as much as 80% of the peripheral erythrocytes.