BACKGROUND:Cytological examination of bone marrow in cats, due to the large number
of cells and various growth phases is somewhat complicated. The use of flow cytometric
techniques and monoclonal antibodies are appropriate methods in the diagnosis of
hematopoietic malignancies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to determine
cell-surface antigens for various developmental stages of feline bone marrow cells in
hematopoietic disorders using flow cytometric. METHODS: In this study, bone marrow cells
from 4 cats with hematopoietic disorders and 2 clinically healthy cats, were labeled with 5
types of anti-feline MAbs included: CD21-like (Cr-Br), T lymphocyte subpopulation, CD-
172a, Granulocyte, Pan-Leukocyte (CD45-like) and then analyzed using flow cytometric.
RESULTS: The results revealed changes in immunophenotyping and light scatter properties
compared with normal cases. The percentage of CD45, Granulocyte and CD172a markers in
the bone marrow of a cat with erythroleukemia were lower compared with normal bone
marrow. In a cat with myelodysplastic syndrome, scatter plot indicated an increase in the
immature myeloid cells and a decrease in mature myeloid cells. CONCLUSIONS: It was
concluded that cytological examination of bone marrow with studying dispersion studies on
cells using flow cytometric and usage of a panel of antibodies such as CD21-like(Cr-Br), T
lymphocyte subpopulation, CD-172a, Granulocyte, Pan-Leukocyte (CD45-like) could
support the diagnosis of feline hematopoietic abnormalities.