Recombinant murine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor protects against acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in nonneutropenic mice

Abstract

The effect of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG- CSF) on acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in nonneutropenic mice was investigated. Mice treated with a single dose of rG-CSF showed a significantly reduced mortality (28% vs. 90%; P < .001), as were circulating tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. After rG-CFS, the kidneys showed fewer infectious infiltrates, enhanced granulocyte influx, and almost complete absence of hyphal outgrowth. During peritoneal C. albicans infection, rG-CSF enhanced influx of granulocytes to the site of infection, and exudate granulocytes showed increased oxygen radical production. These results indicate that rG-CSF enhances host resistance to disseminated candidiasis in nonneutropenic mice through activation of granulocytes and their recruitment to the site of infection.