Research on aplastic anaemia has until recently been limited to clinical
description, morphology and epidemiology. New methods to culture
haemopoietic cells, and advances in our knowledge of proliferation and
differentiation in the haemopoietic cell system .opened a new area of
scientific interest for this "prototype" of haemopoietic failure. In
addition, bone marrow transplantation became not only a clinical method
of treatment, but also a source of data useful for the discussion of
pathophysiological models of aplastic anaemia. This situation prompted
us to arrange an international con- ference on aplastic anaemia, with
particular emphasis on its patho- physiology and the rationals of the
current therapeutic approaches. This conference was held at Schloss
Reisensburg from July 20-22, 1978 with the participation of both
experimental and clinical scientists active in this field or in related
areas of research. The proceedings of the symposion reflect the present
knowledge as well as the many new questions which arose from the
discussions. The editors are gratefully indebted to the participants of
this meeting, to Gerlinde Trogele and all the co-workers of the Uni-
versity of Ulm engaged in preparation of this symposium and of this
volume, and last not least to all sponsors who provided the financial
basis for this scientific event.