Colony-stimulating factor production and secretion following renal transplantation

Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF) production by peripheral blood leukocytes of renal transplant recipients was assayed using semisolid agar culture. Patients with stable graft function had a normal ability to produce CSF and they reacted with an increase of CSF release following bacterial infection, while active viral infections impaired the process. A marked decrease of CSF production was detectable in kidney graft recipients undergoing acute rejection, a phenomenon sometimes reversible by bolus prednisolone administration. Less characteristic patterns of CSF secretion in urine were found in these patients.