CSF-1 induces resorption of embryos in mice
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Isolation of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Rodent Embryos for use with Dissected Cerebral Cortical Explants
Published on: March 11, 2013
1Department of Chemical Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Abstract:
We have shown previously that C57BL/6J female mice inoculated with the syngeneic BL6-T2 regressor tumor resorb a high proportion of embryos sired by B6D2F1 or DBA/2 males but not embryos engendered by CBA/J or C57BL/6J males. In this present report, we provide a mechanism elucidating the nature of the fetal wastage observed. It was found that the BL6-T2 tumor secretes constitutively GM-CSF and CSF-1. Based on the hypothesis that those cytokines could interfere with normal fetal development, we injected semi-purified GM-CSF or CSF-1 into pregnant females, for five days. Results show that CSF-1 was able to induce a high rate of fetal resorption whereas GM-CSF had no effect.
Insights
Tumors can cause fetal resorption in mice by secreting Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1). This cytokine, but not Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), induced high rates of embryo loss in pregnant female mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- C57BL/6J female mice inoculated with syngeneic BL6-T2 tumors exhibit high rates of fetal resorption with specific paternal strains.
- Embryos sired by B6D2F1 or DBA/2 males are resorbed, while those sired by CBA/J or C57BL/6J males are not.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism behind tumor-induced fetal wastage.
- To investigate the role of tumor-secreted cytokines, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) and Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1), in fetal resorption.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cytokines secreted by the BL6-T2 tumor.
- Intraperitoneal injection of semi-purified GM-CSF or CSF-1 into pregnant C57BL/6J female mice over five days.
Main Results:
- The BL6-T2 tumor constitutively secretes both GM-CSF and CSF-1.
- Administration of CSF-1 induced a high rate of fetal resorption.
- GM-CSF administration had no significant effect on fetal resorption rates.
Conclusions:
- CSF-1 secreted by the BL6-T2 tumor is a key factor responsible for the observed fetal wastage.
- GM-CSF does not appear to play a significant role in this specific model of tumor-induced fetal resorption.
- These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how certain tumors can impact reproductive outcomes.
