scholarly journals Terminal transferase positive acute promyelocytic leukemia: in vitro differentiation of a T-lymphocytic/promyelocytic hybrid phenotype

Blood ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
E Paietta ◽  
JP Dutcher ◽  
PH Wiernik

In a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), an early lymphoid marker, was detected. Double-fluorescent staining for the myeloid-specific antigens VIM-2 and VIM-D5 in combination with specific antiserum for TdT suggested a mixed leukemic cell population consisting of a morphologically, cytochemically, and immunologically promyelocytic component (80%) and a lymphoid, TdT+ component (20%) that was myelomonocytic in morphology but otherwise without any evidence of nonlymphoid nature. Fluorescent-activated cell analysis revealed that a greater number of cells reacted with monoclonal anti-T antibodies (OKT3, OKT6, and OKT11) than could be identified as lymphoid by TdT expression. As confirmed by double-staining fluorescence microscopy, a large fraction of the promyelocytic leukemia cells were biphenotypic, expressing both myeloid and lymphoid markers (50% positive for VIM-D5 and OKT6, 30% positive for VIM-D5 and OKT3). Subsequently, in vitro differentiation experiments were performed. While treatment of the cells with GCT-conditioned medium favored proliferation, with only a weak and delayed promotion of the cells towards maturation as reflected by enhanced expression of the mature T-marker T3 but persistent expression of the thymocyte antigen, exposure to all-trans and 13-cis retinoic acid resulted in marked differentiation of both the myeloid and the lymphoid cell characteristics. Retinoid treatment resulted in the loss of TdT, a partial disappearance of the T6-antigen, and the expression of the late T cell antigen T3 by almost 70% of the cells. In addition, myeloid maturation was obvious from the morphologic appearance of the cells, as well as from the expression of the OKM1- associated antigen by a majority of the cells. This report concerns a unique case of APL in which, for the first time, a coexistence of promyelocytic and lymphoid elements was detected, with exposure of the cultured leukemic cells to retinoic acid inducing maturation along both the myeloid and the lymphoid lineage.

Blood ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Paietta ◽  
JP Dutcher ◽  
PH Wiernik

Abstract In a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), an early lymphoid marker, was detected. Double-fluorescent staining for the myeloid-specific antigens VIM-2 and VIM-D5 in combination with specific antiserum for TdT suggested a mixed leukemic cell population consisting of a morphologically, cytochemically, and immunologically promyelocytic component (80%) and a lymphoid, TdT+ component (20%) that was myelomonocytic in morphology but otherwise without any evidence of nonlymphoid nature. Fluorescent-activated cell analysis revealed that a greater number of cells reacted with monoclonal anti-T antibodies (OKT3, OKT6, and OKT11) than could be identified as lymphoid by TdT expression. As confirmed by double-staining fluorescence microscopy, a large fraction of the promyelocytic leukemia cells were biphenotypic, expressing both myeloid and lymphoid markers (50% positive for VIM-D5 and OKT6, 30% positive for VIM-D5 and OKT3). Subsequently, in vitro differentiation experiments were performed. While treatment of the cells with GCT-conditioned medium favored proliferation, with only a weak and delayed promotion of the cells towards maturation as reflected by enhanced expression of the mature T-marker T3 but persistent expression of the thymocyte antigen, exposure to all-trans and 13-cis retinoic acid resulted in marked differentiation of both the myeloid and the lymphoid cell characteristics. Retinoid treatment resulted in the loss of TdT, a partial disappearance of the T6-antigen, and the expression of the late T cell antigen T3 by almost 70% of the cells. In addition, myeloid maturation was obvious from the morphologic appearance of the cells, as well as from the expression of the OKM1- associated antigen by a majority of the cells. This report concerns a unique case of APL in which, for the first time, a coexistence of promyelocytic and lymphoid elements was detected, with exposure of the cultured leukemic cells to retinoic acid inducing maturation along both the myeloid and the lymphoid lineage.


Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2175-2181 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Delva ◽  
M Cornic ◽  
N Balitrand ◽  
F Guidez ◽  
JM Miclea ◽  
...  

Abstract All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces leukemic cell differentiation and complete remission (CR) in a high proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML3 subtype). However, relapses occur when ATRA is prescribed as maintenance therapy, and resistance to a second ATRA-induction therapy is frequently observed. An induced hypercatabolism of ATRA has been suggested as a possible mechanism leading to reduced ATRA sensitivity and resistance. CRABPII, an RA cytoplasmic binding protein linked to RA's metabolization pathway, is induced by ATRA in different cell systems. To investigate whether specific features of the AML3 cells at relapse could explain the in vivo resistance observed, we studied the CRABP levels and in vitro sensitivity to ATRA of AML3 cells before and at relapse from ATRA. Relapse-AML3 cells (n = 12) showed reduced differentiation induction when compared with “virgin”-AML3 cells (n = 31; P < .05). Dose-response studies were performed in 2 cases at relapse and showed decreased sensitivity to low ATRA concentrations. CRABPII levels and in vitro differentiation characteristics of AML3 cells before and at relapse from ATRA therapy were studied concomittantly in 4 patients. High levels of CRABPII (median, 20 fmol/mg of protein) were detected in the cells of the 4 patients at relapse but were not detected before ATRA therapy. Three of these patients showed a decrease in differentiation induction of their leukemic cells, and a failure to achieve CR with a second induction therapy of ATRA 45 mg/m2/day was noted in all patients treated (n = 3). Results from this study provide evidence to support the hypothesis of induced-ATRA metabolism as one of the major mechanisms responsible for ATRA resistance. Monitoring CRABPII levels after ATRA withdrawal may help to determine when to administer ATRA in the maintenance or relapse therapy of AML3 patients.


1985 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 793-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
H M Kantarjian ◽  
M J Keating ◽  
K B McCredie ◽  
M Beran ◽  
R Walters ◽  
...  

While differentiation of leukemic cells in vitro is well established, the role of differentiation in vivo is not defined and is generally attributed to differentiation inducers. In five patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) an unusual pattern of a slow and progressive decrease of immature blasts with a concomitant increase in mature cellular elements was observed following intensive combination chemotherapy. All patients eventually achieved complete remission, four of them without an intermediate phase of marrow hypoplasia. This morphologic pattern of response suggests that leukemic cellular differentiation rather than cytotoxicity was one mechanism involved in remission induction. Cytogenetic studies of remission revealed disappearance of the cytogenetic marker, the balanced translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 15 and 17. This remission induction process appears to be due to the cellular biologic characteristic rather than the therapy used as it occurs in a substantial proportion of patients with APL. It should be considered for optimal diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.


1995 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2517-2523 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Agadir ◽  
M Cornic ◽  
P Lefebvre ◽  
B Gourmel ◽  
M Jérôme ◽  
...  

PURPOSE This study investigated the in vitro pharmacologic behavior and disposition kinetics of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in acute myeloid leukemic (AML) cells, their sensitivity to its differentiating effect, and the in vivo response of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients after therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fresh leukemic cells from 14 AML patients (nine APL and five non-APL), were incubated in suspension culture in the absence or presence of 10(-6) mol/L ATRA. Intracellular ATRA concentration and ATRA metabolism was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS Immediate uptake is observed with maximal intracellular levels (Cmax) achieved after 24 hours of incubation. At this time, ATRA levels were variable, ranging from 20 to 230 pmol/10(6) cells (median, 100 pmol/10(6) cells). Comparison of ATRA intracellular levels with the in vitro response of patients' cell samples as measured by the percentage of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT)-positive cells after a 3-day incubation period allowed us to discriminate a group of APL patients (n = 6) with high Cmax (group A; median, 200 pmol/10(6) cells) and maximal differentiation at day 3 (median, 80%), and a group of patients (n = 8, three APL and five non-APL) with low Cmax (group B; median, 35 pmol/10(6) cells) and poor in vitro response (median, 40%; APL cases only). Interestingly, all APL patients, except one included in group A (rapid in vitro ATRA uptakers), achieved a complete remission. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that intracellular ATRA concentrations are determinant for ATRA response and should be taken into account when monitoring the efficacy of ATRA differentiation therapeutic trials in malignant disorders.


Blood ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 1824-1833 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kizaki ◽  
H Matsushita ◽  
N Takayama ◽  
A Muto ◽  
H Ueno ◽  
...  

Abstract All-trans retinoic acid (RA) induces complete remission in a high proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Nevertheless, most of these patients develop RA resistance and relapse. The mechanisms of RA resistance by APL cells are still unclear. To understand the characteristics of human leukemia, human leukemic cell lines are useful tools for study. APL cells have a strikingly low proliferation potential in vitro; thus, only one APL cell line has been established. We developed a novel APL cell line (UF-1) from a patient clinically resistant to all-trans RA. Cell surface markers in the UF-1 cells were positive for CD7, CD13, CD33, and CD38. Cytogenetic analyses revealed additional abnormalities, 46XX, add(1)(q44), add(6)(q12), add(7)(q36), t(15;17) (q21;q21). Molecular analyses showed a PML/RAR alpha fusion transcript. Sequence analysis of the RAR alpha gene in RA- resistant HL-60 cells disclosed a point mutation in codon 411 (C to T substitution), whereas UF-1 cells showed the normal sequence. All-trans RA did not change morphological features of the cell, NBT reduction activity, or their expression of CD11b antigens as determined by FACS analysis except at 10(-6) mol/L. RA also did not alter the growth curve of the cells as determined by the MTT assay. These findings suggest that the UF-1 cell is the first permanent cell line with spontaneous RA- resistant APL cells. This RA-resistant APL cell line may be a useful model for molecular studies on the block of leukemic cell differentiation and as a means to investigate the mechanisms of RA resistance.


Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZX Chen ◽  
YQ Xue ◽  
R Zhang ◽  
RF Tao ◽  
XM Xia ◽  
...  

Fifty patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have been treated with all-trans retinoic acid (RA). In vitro induced differentiation of primarily cultured bone marrow cells from the patients, colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) and L-CFU colony-forming assays, and karyotype analysis were performed over the treatment course. The very high bone marrow complete remission (CR) rate (94%) suggested that all-trans RA was superior to conventional chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of APL. The leukemic clone was reduced by RA-induced terminal differentiation and loss of proliferation capacity of leukemic cells. Relapse after CR in about 40% of patients was the major reason for the failure of the RA treatment. Patients who relapsed after a chemotherapy-maintained CR could be effectively reinduced to second CR by RA. However, if relapse occurred after a CR maintained by both RA and chemotherapy, the sensitivity of newly emerged leukemic clones to RA was greatly reduced. Therefore, it is suggested that RA should be replaced by conventional chemotherapy as soon as CR is achieved. Laboratory studies proved valuable in selecting cases for RA therapy and in predicting therapeutic effects and prognosis.


Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2175-2181 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Delva ◽  
M Cornic ◽  
N Balitrand ◽  
F Guidez ◽  
JM Miclea ◽  
...  

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces leukemic cell differentiation and complete remission (CR) in a high proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML3 subtype). However, relapses occur when ATRA is prescribed as maintenance therapy, and resistance to a second ATRA-induction therapy is frequently observed. An induced hypercatabolism of ATRA has been suggested as a possible mechanism leading to reduced ATRA sensitivity and resistance. CRABPII, an RA cytoplasmic binding protein linked to RA's metabolization pathway, is induced by ATRA in different cell systems. To investigate whether specific features of the AML3 cells at relapse could explain the in vivo resistance observed, we studied the CRABP levels and in vitro sensitivity to ATRA of AML3 cells before and at relapse from ATRA. Relapse-AML3 cells (n = 12) showed reduced differentiation induction when compared with “virgin”-AML3 cells (n = 31; P < .05). Dose-response studies were performed in 2 cases at relapse and showed decreased sensitivity to low ATRA concentrations. CRABPII levels and in vitro differentiation characteristics of AML3 cells before and at relapse from ATRA therapy were studied concomittantly in 4 patients. High levels of CRABPII (median, 20 fmol/mg of protein) were detected in the cells of the 4 patients at relapse but were not detected before ATRA therapy. Three of these patients showed a decrease in differentiation induction of their leukemic cells, and a failure to achieve CR with a second induction therapy of ATRA 45 mg/m2/day was noted in all patients treated (n = 3). Results from this study provide evidence to support the hypothesis of induced-ATRA metabolism as one of the major mechanisms responsible for ATRA resistance. Monitoring CRABPII levels after ATRA withdrawal may help to determine when to administer ATRA in the maintenance or relapse therapy of AML3 patients.


Blood ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 1824-1833 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kizaki ◽  
H Matsushita ◽  
N Takayama ◽  
A Muto ◽  
H Ueno ◽  
...  

All-trans retinoic acid (RA) induces complete remission in a high proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Nevertheless, most of these patients develop RA resistance and relapse. The mechanisms of RA resistance by APL cells are still unclear. To understand the characteristics of human leukemia, human leukemic cell lines are useful tools for study. APL cells have a strikingly low proliferation potential in vitro; thus, only one APL cell line has been established. We developed a novel APL cell line (UF-1) from a patient clinically resistant to all-trans RA. Cell surface markers in the UF-1 cells were positive for CD7, CD13, CD33, and CD38. Cytogenetic analyses revealed additional abnormalities, 46XX, add(1)(q44), add(6)(q12), add(7)(q36), t(15;17) (q21;q21). Molecular analyses showed a PML/RAR alpha fusion transcript. Sequence analysis of the RAR alpha gene in RA- resistant HL-60 cells disclosed a point mutation in codon 411 (C to T substitution), whereas UF-1 cells showed the normal sequence. All-trans RA did not change morphological features of the cell, NBT reduction activity, or their expression of CD11b antigens as determined by FACS analysis except at 10(-6) mol/L. RA also did not alter the growth curve of the cells as determined by the MTT assay. These findings suggest that the UF-1 cell is the first permanent cell line with spontaneous RA- resistant APL cells. This RA-resistant APL cell line may be a useful model for molecular studies on the block of leukemic cell differentiation and as a means to investigate the mechanisms of RA resistance.


Blood ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 88 (7) ◽  
pp. 2671-2682 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Rosenauer ◽  
JV Raelson ◽  
C Nervi ◽  
P Eydoux ◽  
A DeBlasio ◽  
...  

All-trans retinoic acid (tRA), a naturally occurring ligand of the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), induces differentiation of leukemic cells and clinical complete remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This differentiation effect can also be seen in vitro in both fresh leukemic cells and in the unique permanent APL cell line, NB4. However, APL cells become resistant to RA-induced differentiation both in vitro and in patients. Although pharmacodynamic mechanisms of resistance have been reported, there is growing evidence that resistance both in patients, as well as in vitro, can be mediated by changes in the sensitivity of leukemic cells to retinoids. To investigate possible mechanisms of retinoid resistance, we established subclones of NB4 that are stably resistant to both tRA and 9-cisRA. Unlike the previously reported NB4.306 retinoid-resistant cells, these subclones expressed PML/RAR-alpha RNA and protein, but demonstrated altered ligand binding patterns of PML/RAR-alpha and differed in retinoid-induced gene expression. They were significantly less able to stimulate transcription of an RARE driven CAT-reporter gene on induction by tRA and showed altered DNA binding activity on a RARE. These data suggest that NB4 cells selected for resistance to retinoids demonstrate abnormal ligand binding to PML/RAR-alpha that lead to altered transcriptional activation by retinoids.


Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZX Chen ◽  
YQ Xue ◽  
R Zhang ◽  
RF Tao ◽  
XM Xia ◽  
...  

Abstract Fifty patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have been treated with all-trans retinoic acid (RA). In vitro induced differentiation of primarily cultured bone marrow cells from the patients, colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) and L-CFU colony-forming assays, and karyotype analysis were performed over the treatment course. The very high bone marrow complete remission (CR) rate (94%) suggested that all-trans RA was superior to conventional chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of APL. The leukemic clone was reduced by RA-induced terminal differentiation and loss of proliferation capacity of leukemic cells. Relapse after CR in about 40% of patients was the major reason for the failure of the RA treatment. Patients who relapsed after a chemotherapy-maintained CR could be effectively reinduced to second CR by RA. However, if relapse occurred after a CR maintained by both RA and chemotherapy, the sensitivity of newly emerged leukemic clones to RA was greatly reduced. Therefore, it is suggested that RA should be replaced by conventional chemotherapy as soon as CR is achieved. Laboratory studies proved valuable in selecting cases for RA therapy and in predicting therapeutic effects and prognosis.


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