Differential regulation of spleen cell-mediated eosinophil and neutrophil-macrophage production.

Nonadherent spleen cells of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis released growth stimulatory factors (GSFs) in vitro when challenged with excretory/secretory products of muscle stage larvae. The assay of GSF was based on proliferation of normal, nonadherent syngeneic marrow cells in liquid tube cultures. Media conditioned for 1 day by challenged spleen cells stimulated eosinophil production but failed to stimulate production of other cell types. In contrast, media conditioned for 5 days supported eosinophil, neutrophil, and macrophage production. The kinetics of cell production were also different. Eosinophil production started within 1 day, reached a peak at day 2, and was down to control levels by day 4. In contrast, neutrophil/macrophage production began between 2 and 4 days and reached a peak at 6--8 days. The short duration of eosinophil production was evidently due to depletion of growth-factor-responsive cells.