Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor inhibits the endogenous leukotriene production in tumour patients

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Abstract
Summary. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is virtually devoid of inflammatory side‐effects when given to patients in therapeutic doses. This is in contrast to other haemopoietic cytokines such as granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) or interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) which may promote inflammatory reactions by increasing the number and/or activity of monocytes, eosinophils, mast cells and basophils. Inflammatory reactions to GM‐CSF and IL‐3 appear to be related to an increased formation of leukotrienes, known as potent mediators of allergy and inflammation. Here we report that, in contrast to GM‐CSF or IL‐3, G‐CSF has the potential to inhibit the leukotriene production in vivo. G‐CSF may thus act as an anti‐inflammatory agent. The differential effects of G‐CSF and other haemopoietins on endogenous leukotrienes may be of major clinical significance.