The in vitro effect of Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on Interleukin-3-dependent proliferation of circulating haemopoietic progenitors in neonates

Abstract

Background: Neonatal neutropenia and sepsis are closely linked. The haematopoietic colony-stimulating factors may be of use in enhancing neonatal host defence.Aim: To compare the quantitative effects of G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) with GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and IL-3 (Interleukin-3) on neonatal peripheral progenitor cells in-vitro.Methods: Progenitor cells from 31 babies (median gestation 32 weeks; biilh weight 1.57 Kg) were assayed using a modification of a standard method, in the presence of IL-3 alone; and IL-3 with G-CSF, GM-CSF or G-CSF and GM-CSF. On day 14 CFUgaml CFUgm (granulocyte ami granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units) were counted.Results: Total CFUg and CFUgm were significantly increased in G-CSF/IL-3 and G-CSF/CM-CSF/IL-3-supplemented culture systems (p < 0.0001 for both), and in GM-CSF/IL-3 supplemented cultures (p = 0.0024), compared to s)sUnis with IL-3 alone. There was no difference in total CFUg and CFUgm with addition of GM-CSF to G-CSF.Conclusion: G-CSF had a positive effect on neonatal mycloid progenitor cells in vitro which was not synergistic with the effect of GM-CSF. G-CSF may be of therapeutic benefit in neutropenic neonates.