[DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in human leukocytes. II different specific activities of the polymerases A and B in acute and chronic leukemia and their prognostic relevance (author's transl)].

Specific Activities of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases A and B have been determined in nuclei from leukocytes in acute and chronic leukemia. Enzyme activities, dependent on exogenous DNA template, were determined in homogenates of nuclei from isolated mononuclear cells or from isolated granulocytes. Activities of polymerases A and B have been found significantly elevated in homogenates of nuclei from mononuclear cells in acute myelocytic leukemia, while they were found subnormal in corresponding cell fractions from chronic myelocytic leukemia and chronic lymphatic leukemia. During cytostatic treatment polymerase activities were approaching normal values. The prognostic relevance of these data for the course of human leukemia is discussed.