Tetrahydrouridine, cytidine analogues, and hemoglobin F.

5-Azacytidine (azaC) has previously been shown to raise Hb F levels in the repeatedly phlebotomized baboon (PCV: around 20%). The administration of tetrahydrouridine (THU), an inhibitor of the enzymatic conversion of azaC to 5-azauridine, made it possible to reduce the amount of azaC and also of 2-deoxy-5-azacytidine (d-azaC) by more than 90% and still achieve maximal Hb F elevations. However, the granulocytopenia, usually occurring after 5-azaC, was not altered by the lowering of the dosages in the presence of THU. Thus, the granulocytopenia is not due to 5-azauridine or other catabolic products resulting from deamination. It is also unlikely that it is caused by a direct influence of azaC on RNA since d-azaC also causes granulocytopenia. The persistence of reticulocytosis throughout the treatment with azaC or d-azaC makes it appear likely that the observed increase in Hb F levels to more than 60% of total hemoglobin is not due to a cytotoxic effect on erythropoiesis resulting in a shift of cell populations toward greater immaturity, but to a direct influence of the drug on the regulation of gamma globin chain production.