Wang_2001_Zhonghua.Xue.Ye.Xue.Za.Zhi_22_296

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the inhibitory effect of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation stimulated by thrombopoietin (Tpo). METHODS: Normal murine megakaryocytes were prepared by three different cell purification procedures. Megakaryocyte development was studied by semi-solid and suspension cultures and assessed with megakaryocyte colony forming unit (CFU-MK), acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) as well as megakaryocyte count, diameter and DNA content. RESULTS: IFN-alpha prohibited CFU-MK formation and decreased AChE of megakaryocytes. The inhibitory effects were positively related to doses of IFN-alpha and could not be overcome by escalating exogenous Tpo or depriving accessory cells in bone marrow culture. IFN-alpha affected all aspects of megakaryocyte development, including decreases in megakaryocyte count, diameter and geometric mean polyploidy. CONCLUSION: IFN-alpha directly inhibits Tpo-induced megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation in a dose-dependent manner.