A novel approach to investigating the erythroid lineage, using both receptor analysis and haemoglobin detection

Progenitor cell failure in the erythroid lineage is a particular problem in bone marrow failure. To provide insight into early erythopoietic development we used sensitive techniques to examine the effects of SCF, IL‐3 and MIP‐1α on two developmentally arrested progenitor cell lines, HEL and K562. Quantitative flowcytometric analysis showed that both expressed receptors (SCF > MIP‐1α >IL‐3). Qualitative analysis revealed HEL cells expressed more receptors than K562 cells. Clonogenic assays with sensitive haemoglobin detection showed that SCF and IL‐3 did not support HEL development and reduced haemoglobin production. MIP‐1α reduced partially developed HEL colonies and haemoglobin in developed colonies. SCF increased development, but not haemoglobin in K562 cells, with IL‐3 being more effective in both. MIP‐1α increased the proportion of well‐developed K562 colonies but not haemoglobin. This suggests SCF, IL‐3 and MIP‐1α all have a role to play in early erythroid cellular development, with differing actions depending on the stage of development.