ALPHA-GLOBIN AND BETA-GLOBIN OF THE ANEMIC BELGRADE LABORATORY RAT - I - STATUS OF ALPHA-GLOBIN AND BETA-GLOBIN IN BONE-MARROW AND SPLEEN

In this study we have demonstrated that the bone marrow of the anemic Belgrade laboratory (b/b) rat, as the primary site of erythropoiesis, has a decreased globin polypeptide synthesis in total protein cell ext racts. Therefore, it is the source of red blood cells containing decre ased amounts of globin mRNAs and polypeptides. In spite of the fact th at the b/b rat shows a splenomegaly, the spleen is not capable of comp ensating for the anemic state. Spleen erythroid cells are defective in differentiation and contain a decreased share of globin polypeptides in total protein cell extracts compared to the control. Spleen cells a re also characterized by a drastic imbalance of alpha- to beta-globin resulting in the beta-globin chains surplus.