Effects of Uteroferrin on Hematopoietic Parameters in Normal Pigs

Abstract

Uteroferrin (UF), a progesterone-induced acid phosphatase from pig uterus (also called Type 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) and a secretory product of human placenta (human UF, hUF), is responsible for transplacental iron transport during early pregnancy in pigs. In addition, recent studies suggest an in vitro effect on hematopoietic progenitor cells. The present study examined the effects of UF on hematopoietic progenitor cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood in weaned pigs in vivo. UF injected i.m. (100 pg/kg twice daily) increased (P< 0.05) total white blood cell count on days 14-19 of the treatment period. UF increased circulating BFU-E (60%) and CFU-GM (37%) progenitor cells 8 hours after injection. The effect of 5-FU on young pigs was examined and a cumulative dose of 25 to 50 mg/kg was found to be optimal for myelosuppression. These results suggest that UF can stimulate circulating levels of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo, resulting in a potential increase in white and red blood cell numbers. Additional studies including interactions with other lineage specific hematopoietic growth factors, e.g. GM-CSF, will be necessary to confirm these results.