EXTRACTS OF THE HAEMOPOIETIC SYSTEM

Extracts of the hemopoietic chalones, erythrocytic, lymphocytic and granulocytic chalones are produced by the semi-continuous processing of whole blood. By means of a continuous lysis unit the red blood cells are preferentially and substantially completely lysed while leaving unaffected the leucocytes which are then separated together with the red cell debris by means of a centrifuge in which the leucocytes attach to the rotor. The intact leucocytes are extracted and the extract subjected to ultrafiltration to provide extracts of the hemopoietic chalones, which may be further isolated and purified. Patients suffering from myeloid leukaemia have achieved temporary remissions with minimal serious or dangerous side effects when the patients received repeated doses of granulocytic chalone over an extended treatment period.