Potentiation by granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor of lipopolysaccharide toxicity in mice

G Tiegs1, J Barsig, B Matiba

  • 1Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany.

Insights

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhances lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxicity in mice, increasing mortality and liver injury. Blocking GM-CSF offers protection, suggesting its role in inflammatory responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Inflammation Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) primes leukocytes for inflammatory stimuli in vitro.
  • The in vivo role of GM-CSF in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vivo role of GM-CSF in a systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome.
  • To determine if GM-CSF potentiates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced toxicity and organ injury.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were pretreated with GM-CSF or vehicle before challenge with LPS.
  • Mortality and septic liver failure models were utilized.
  • Anti-GM-CSF antibodies were administered to assess protective effects.
  • Serum cytokine levels (TNF, IL-1) and hepatotoxicity were measured.
  • In vitro and ex vivo experiments assessed cytokine release from immune cells.

Main Results:

  • GM-CSF pretreatment significantly increased mortality in mice challenged with subtoxic LPS doses.
  • GM-CSF potentiated LPS-induced hepatotoxicity and systemic TNF release in galactosamine-sensitized mice.
  • Anti-GM-CSF antibodies provided significant protection against LPS toxicity and septic liver failure.
  • LPS induced serum GM-CSF, peaking at 2 hours.
  • GM-CSF pretreatment enhanced LPS-induced IL-1 release from bone marrow and spleen cells.

Conclusions:

  • GM-CSF acts as an endogenous enhancer of LPS-induced organ injury.
  • GM-CSF potentiates LPS toxicity, likely by amplifying the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF and IL-1.
  • Targeting GM-CSF may be a therapeutic strategy for managing LPS-induced inflammatory conditions.

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