Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration increases serum concentrations of soluble selectins

In order to explore the possible role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the inflammatory process, we examined the serum concentrations of soluble selectins (sL-selectin, sE-selectin and sP-selectin) following in vivo administration of G-CSF to five healthy volunteers and 12 neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies. The serum concentrations of both sL-selectin and sE-selectin were slightly but significantly increased after G-CSF administration in the healthy volunteers. The serum concentrations of all three selectins were significantly increased after G-CSF administration in the neutropenic patients concomitant with an increase in their neutrophil counts. These findings suggest that G-CSF may participate in the leucocyte-endothelial cell interactions in vivo.