The effect of severe burn injury on proinflammatory cytokines and leukocyte behavior: its modulation with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

Abstract Severe injury causes immunosuppression. The main contributors are impaired leukocyte function and a cytokine dysbalance. GCSF increases PMN count, function and modulates the inflammatory response. However GCSF may over activate leukocytes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether GCSF is able to restore immune competence after severe injury. Lewis rats were divided into three groups: 30% TBSA burn+vehicle; 30% TBSA burn+GCSF (150 μg rhGCSF); Control. Blood samples were taken for total white cell count, PMNs, TNF α and IFN γ . Leukocyte rolling and sticking were measured in the cremaster muscle microcirculation. Leukocyte diapedesis was investigated by lavage of the abdominal cavity and the lungs. Total white cell and PMN counts in the burn+GCSF group were significantly higher ( P α ( P γ ( P α and IFN γ levels. GCSF does not overactivate PMNs