The collection, storage and preparation of viable cadaver marrow for intravenous use.

of viable marrow cells has been shown in animals to bring about a repopulation of marrow spaces rendered aplastic by radiation,' chemotherapy2'3 or natural processes.4 Cells from ac- ceptable donors, isologous,a homoIogousor heterobogous,7 may be used either fresh or after storage for considerable periods in glycerol at -80 C.8b0 Efforts to adapt the implications of these observations to problems current in clinical medicine have led to an investigation of methods for collecting and storing human marrow."" Preliminary observations have shown that one or two billion nucleated cells may be obtained from a fetus, the usual rib removed at surgery or an aspiration biopsy of the ilium."2 Table 1 shows amounts obtained from partial collections of ribs and vertebrae of adult cadavers. The adult cadaver appears to be the largest potential source of the necessary cells. Particular attention has been given, therefore, to the special problem of col- lecting and storing cadaver marrow in a form suitable for intravenous adminis- tration. The procedure outlined here has shown sufficient promise of ease, quantity of yield and quality of preservation'3 to warrant description. Yield is a function of the amount of bone removed and the cellularity of the marrow. Marrow of elderly individuals tends to be fatty.