The in vivo and in vitro effects of rhG-CSF on allergic, haematological and biochemical variables

The objective was to evaluate the influence of treatment with rhG-CSF on allergic indexes. This was done by open trial of 5 days' treatment with rhG-CSF (5 microg/kg/day s. c.). 10 patients (6 men), aged 28 to 54 years, with rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen allergy, participated in the investigation. Main measures were blood count, basophil histamine release, skin test and conjunctival provocation test.

The treatment resulted in significant increases in numbers of neutrophils (590%), basophils (280%), eosinophils (250%) and lymphocytes (71%). Total blood histamine was increased, but basophil histamine releasability was decreased. Serum alkaline phosphatase increased 92% and serum lactate dehydrogenase increased 35% (both significant). There were no significant changes in the skin tests and the conjunctival provocation tests. Two months after the treatment all tests had returned to baseline levels. Five of the patients (50%) reported side effects, one withdrew. In conclusion treatment with rhG-CSF increases the number of circulating blood cells other than neutrophils without causing changes in indexes of allergic reactivity.