Phenotypic analysis of a large number of normal human bone marrow sample by flow cytometry

Summary Bone marrow aspirates from 48 healthy donors (34 adults, 14 children) were analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS Analyzer) after purification of low-density bone marrow cells (Ld BMC) on a density gradient (d = 1,077) and labelling with 23 anti-hematopoietic cell monoclonal antibodies. Based on physical properties, these Ld BMC could be divided into four different populations called E, My, Mo and L, which comprised 14% ± 9%, 31% ± 16%, 10% ± 5% and 45% ± 14% of these cells, respectively. The phenotypic analysis of these different populations enabled the identification in E, of erythrocytes (Glycophorin A+, Rhesus D+, but negative for early erythroid differentiation markers such as the transferrin receptor (Tf. R) and the FA6-152 antigen); in My of cells of the myeloid lineage (VIM2+, HLA DR–); in Mo of cells of the monocytic lineage (VIM2+, CD14+) plus some myeloblasts (VIM2+, CD14–, HLADR+) and finally in L of a heterogeneous population including: 1. T lymphocytes labelled to the same extent by CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD6 (28% ± 10%), B lymphocytes assessed by CD19 and CD20 (12% ± 8%), Pre-B cells (CD10+ = 8% ± 7%), less than 5% of natural killer cells (CD16+ or Leu7+) and finally, less than 6% of myelomonocytes (CD14+ and/or VIM2+). 2. The erythroid lineage (rhesus D+ = 42% ± 20%, Tf.R+ and FA6-152+ = 32% ± 12%). 3. Undifferentiated cells or progenitor cells (CD34+ = 7% ± 5%). 4. Cells unlabelled by any antibodies (approximately 6%). We observed no difference between bone marrow samples from adults or children, with respect to physical properties, and with all but four immunological markers. A significantly higher proportion of B cells (CD19+ and CD10+) (P<0.001) and undifferentiated cells (CD34+ and HLADR+) (P<0.02) was observed in children. These data, obtained from a large number of bone marrow samples, could be used to quantify the imbalance of some bone marrow disorders.