[The effect of rhIL-11 on hematopoiesis of rhesus monkeys irradiated with 60Co gamma-rays].

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic effect of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) on acute radiation sickness in monkeys.

METHODS

rhIL-11 (30, 60, 120 micrograms.kg-1.d-1, s.c., on days 0-13 after TBI) or vehicle was administered to rhesus monkeys irradiated with 3.0 Gy 60Co gamma-rays.

RESULTS

The nadirs of platelet count were significantly improved after treatment with rhIL-11. The duration of platelet and leukocyte numbers below 50% of their baseline values was shortened. Erythrocyte recovery was also accelerated. Semi-solid bone marrow cell culture demonstrated that rhIL-11 could stimulate monkey's bone marrow cell to form more CFU-MK, CFU-Mix, CFU-E and BFU-E in vitro, especially at the dose of 60 micrograms.kg-1.d-1. Histopathological observation revealed that bone marrow of the untreated controls showed large area of bleeding whereas that of the rhIL-11 treated monkeys was in active proliferation.

CONCLUSION

rhIL-11 can accelerate hematopoietic recovery of monkeys received 3.0 Gy total body gamma-rays irradiation.