J C Hebert1, M O'Reilly. 1. Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Splenectomized individuals are at risk for pneumococcal sepsis. Alveolar macrophage bactericidal function is depressed after splenectomy. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has pronounced effects on the number and function of macrophages. We hypothesized that GM-CSF treatment could improve alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity against pneumococci, and improve survival with pneumococcal infection. METHODS: Two weeks after splenectomy or sham operation, mice were treated with GM-CSF or saline twice daily for varying times. Alveolar macrophages were obtained by bronchopulmonary lavage, and bactericidal activity was measured. Survival was assessed after pneumococcal aerosol challenge. RESULTS: Alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity was improved with GM-CSF treatment in both eusplenic and asplenic mice (p < 0.001). GM-CSF treatment improved survival in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GM-CSF can augment alveolar macrophage function and provide protection against pneumococcal infections. It may be a useful adjuvant therapy for normal and splenectomized individuals.
BACKGROUND: Splenectomized individuals are at risk for pneumococcal sepsis. Alveolar macrophage bactericidal function is depressed after splenectomy. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has pronounced effects on the number and function of macrophages. We hypothesized that GM-CSF treatment could improve alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity against pneumococci, and improve survival with pneumococcal infection. METHODS: Two weeks after splenectomy or sham operation, mice were treated with GM-CSF or saline twice daily for varying times. Alveolar macrophages were obtained by bronchopulmonary lavage, and bactericidal activity was measured. Survival was assessed after pneumococcal aerosol challenge. RESULTS: Alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity was improved with GM-CSF treatment in both eusplenic and asplenic mice (p < 0.001). GM-CSF treatment improved survival in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:GM-CSF can augment alveolar macrophage function and provide protection against pneumococcal infections. It may be a useful adjuvant therapy for normal and splenectomized individuals.
Authors: Kathrin Steinwede; Ole Tempelhof; Kristine Bolte; Regina Maus; Jennifer Bohling; Bianca Ueberberg; Florian Länger; John W Christman; James C Paton; Kjetil Ask; Shyam Maharaj; Martin Kolb; Jack Gauldie; Tobias Welte; Ulrich A Maus Journal: J Immunol Date: 2011-10-14 Impact factor: 5.422
Authors: R J Looney; M S Hasan; D Coffin; D Campbell; A R Falsey; J Kolassa; J M Agosti; G N Abraham; T G Evans Journal: J Clin Immunol Date: 2001-01 Impact factor: 8.317