Phosphorus Metabolism in Leukemic Blood

Abstract

The fact that radioactive phosphorus is chemically like ordinary phosphorus and is “tagged,” has made it valuable in following the exchange of phosphorus in biological systems. 1 The present study is concerned with the absorption, distribution, and excretion of labelled phosphorus (P³²) in 2 patients suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia. The mixture of P³¹ (inactive) and P³² (radioactive) atoms were converted into Na₂HPO₄ and administered orally in an isotonic solution of this salt.

The first patient studied was a case of untreated chronic myelogenous leukemia, in fair clinical condition. The white blood count was 195,000 cells per mm³, and the red cells numbered 3.7 million. The differential count was as follows: staff 40%, segmented 26%, metamyelocytes 9%, neutrophilic myelocytes 12%, eosinophilic myelocytes 1.5%, eosinophiles 1.5%, basophiles 0.5%, progranulocytes A 0.5%, S 0.5%, blasts 2.5%, lymphocytes 3.5%, mononuclears 2.5%. Under fasting conditions a tracer dose of 2.98 millicuries of radiophosphorus was given by mouth in an isotonic solution containing 0.8 g of Na₂HPO₄. Urinary and fecal excretion of radiophosphorus was determined daily for a period of 9 days. During the first 3 days 13.4% of the total activity administered was excreted in the feces and 8.1% in the urine. During the next 6 days, the daily urinary excretion was 0.90%, .99%, .84%, .80%, .83%, and .76% of the tagged phosphorus, while the daily fecal excretion was .30%, .17%, .22%, .21%, .10%, and .12%. At the end of 9 days 72.2% of the total dose was retained.∗

The second patient, who was suffering from myelogenous leukemia of 2 1/2 years' duration, and who had not received X-ray or other treatment for 4 months, was also in fair clinical condition. The white blood count was 163,000, and the red cells numbered 4.4 million.