EFFECT OF BERBAMINE ON BLOOD AND BONE-MARROW STEM-CELLS OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-TREATED MICE

The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid berbamine has been used in China an d Japan for the therapy of leukopaenic complications of cancer. Mice t reated with non-toxic doses showed significant enhancement of neutroph il and lymphocyte counts in the circulation, but a decrease in the num bers of bone marrow stem cells in a dose-dependent manner after two we eks. Similar findings were observed in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. These results indicate that berbamine acts by stimulating the maturati on and release of leukocyte progenitors, and may have value in leukopa enic patients.