The effect of granulocyte colony stimulating factor on the immune parameters in experimental obstructive jaundice

Obstructive jaundice is an important clinical problem. It may cause complications such as renal insufficiency, cardiovascular sequels, coagulation defects, gastrointestinal bleeding, delayed wound healing, secondary biliary cirrhosis and sepsis. We investigated the effect of GM-CSF on immunological parameters in the experimental obstructive jaundice.

In our experimental study we studied four groups that consisted of 28 rats. The 1st group consisted of sham rats, the 2nd group consisted of sham and GM-CSF applied rats and the 3rd and 4th groups consisted of rats that had obstructive jaundice. In the 4th group we applied 4 micrograms/kg GM-CSF subcutaneously to the rats for 7 days. We measured the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, leukocytes, interferon-alpha, CD32, CD34 and CD64 in all groups.

In the jaundice group neutrophil, lymphocyte and leukocyte counts were found to be significantly lower compared to the other groups (P < 0.005). interferon-alpha and CD levels were found to be lower in the jaundice group compared to the other groups. In the GM-CSF applied jaundice group neutrophils, lymphocytes, leukocytes and interferon-alpha levels were found to be higher. CD34- CD64 levels were insignificantly increased in the GM-CSF group whereas CD32 levels were significantly increased.

We believe that in the prevention of serious septic complications which have a high mortality risk, GM-CSF application to restore the macrophage-neutrophil functions should be supported by advanced clinical studies.