Effect of F-leurosine (formyl-leurosine) on platelet production in mice.

F-leurosine (formyl-leurosine) was found to exert a thrombocytopoietic effect in CFLP mice. The effect was most pronounced in a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. The increased activity of the megakaryocyte system was not due to thrombocytopenia. The preparation induced in the bone marrow an increasing megakaryocyte formation (increase of the megakaryocyte index, a shift to the left in the qualitative composition of the giant cells, increase of the 75Se-methionine incorporation). F-leurosine seems to exert its effect through a direct stimulation of the megakaryocyte system, which might be utilized in therapy.