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Rat stem-cell factor induces splenocytes capable of regenerating the thymus
E S Medlock1, R T Migita, L D Trebasky
1Department of Experimental Hematology, Amgen Inc., Amgen Center, Thousand Oaks, California 91320.
Developmental Immunology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Stem cell factor (SCF) administration in vivo boosts extrathymic thymocyte progenitor activity. This suggests SCF influences early T-cell lymphopoiesis, impacting T-cell development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cytokine regulation of early T-cell development is not fully understood.
- Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development is regulated by cytokines.
- Stem cell factor (SCF) is a key hemopoietic growth factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SCF on in vivo generation of prethymic T-lymphoid progenitor cells.
- To assess SCF's role in extrathymic thymocyte regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transplant model of thymocyte regeneration in weanling rats.
- Administered recombinant rat SCF (rrSCF164) and compared results to control groups (vehicle, PEG-conjugated albumin, rhG-CSF).
- Assessed thymocyte progenitor activity in spleen cells.
Main Results:
- SCF administration selectively increased thymocyte progenitor activity in rat spleens.
- This effect was specific to SCF compared to other tested agents.
- SCF influences extrathymic thymocyte regenerating cells.
Conclusions:
- SCF administration in vivo promotes extrathymic T-cell progenitor activity.
- SCF may directly or indirectly influence early T-cell lymphopoiesis.
- SCF's role extends beyond myelopoiesis and erythropoiesis to T-cell development.