[Effect of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF) on self-renewal of stem/progenitor cells of human acute myelogenous leukemia].

Using serum-free culture system and liquid/semi-solid dual culture technique, we examined the effect of rhSCF on self-renewal of the stem/progenitor cells of human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML-CFU). The results revealed that the rhSCF as a hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) exerted its effect hierarchically earlier than interleukin-3 and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor on AML-CFU. rhSCF, whether used alone or in combination with other HGFs, showed potential maintenance of self-renewal of AML-CFU in most AML patients studied. However, considerable discrepancy existed in maintenance among various FAB types of patients or even in patients with the same FAB type. It is suggested that SCF may play an important role in the pathological development of AML.