骨髄間質細胞の老化に関する研究　第2編　高齢者骨髄間質細胞の増殖動態並びに造血支持能に及ぼす抗白血病剤の影響

Prolonged marrow suppresson after chemotherapy with anticancer agents is often seen, especially in elderly patients. The effects of anticancer agents on the growing dynamics of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) in the aged and their ability to sustain the growth of normal hemopoietic progenitor cells (suppportability) were examined to investigate the cause of prolonged marrow suppression. Daunorubicin (DNR) suppressed either the proliferation of BMSC or the ability to sustain hemopoiesis as a function of its concentration. Cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) did not suppress growing dynamics or supportability. Methotrexate (MTX) suppressed supportability at higher concentrations, even though it barely suppressed growing dynamics. These results were similar to those from an investigation in younger volunteers. It should be noted that DNR suppresses BMSC function at standard clinical concentrations. However, antimetabolites, especially ara-C are considered comparatively safe drugs for elderly patients.