[Side effect of granulocytic colony-stimulating factor on the structure and function of mouse liver]

To study effects of granulocytic colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on morphology and function of mouse liver.

G-CSF was injected subcutaneously to mice in a daily dose 200 mcg/kg for 8 days. Peripheral blood formed elements percentage was estimated 24 hours, 7 and 28 days after the last injection of G-CSF. Bilirubin level, activity of aspartate- and alaninaminotransferase (AST, ALT) were studied in the blood serum. Structure of hepatic parenchyma was studied on histological sections stained with hematoxilin-eosine. The sections were stained with picro-sirius red for detection of collagen.

G-CSF raised the count of neutrophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood. Maximal number of neutrophils in blood was observed on day 7 after discontinuation of G-CSF. At the same time, hepatocytes were dystrophic and partially necrotic. The lumina of many vessels of hepatic lobules were filled with erythrocytes. Going in parallel hemolysis of erythrocytes corresponded to biochemical indices of functional activity of the liver. Content of AST, but not ALT, increased 2-3-fold. Vascular walls were thick due to active synthesis of collagen. Four weeks after the last G-CSF injection vascular lumina were free of blood, but vascular epithelium layer was thick.

Side effects of G-CSF were found. They affected physiological status of mouse liver causing necrosis of hepatosytes, venous plethora and red cell hemolysis. Maximal changes were registered on day 7 after discontinuation of G-CSF. The inflammatory process (collagen synthesis) continues after 4 weeks upon discontinuation of G-CSF.