GM-CSF induced modulations of monocyte macrophage derived cell molecules

Modifications in the senim levels of neopterin (Np), IL-la, IL-Iβ, TNF, IFN-a, IFN-y, IL-6 and IL-2, soluble CDS and IL-2 receptors, were assayed during administration of GM-CSF to establish whether, when used at doses able to reduce the post-chemotherapy neutropaenia period and induce mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), the growth factor causes other relevant in vivo biological effects Eighteen patients in CR or PR after standard chemotherapy were treated with 7 g/m2 cyclophosphamide (CTX ) and, after an interval of 30 days, 800 mg/m2 carboplatinum (CBDCA). Later all patients received high-dose chemotherapy and were reinfused with PBSC. GMCSF was administered from day +1 after CTX or CBDCA and from day +1 post-PBSC infusion until resolution of neutropaenia. Increases in Np and IL-lo/IL-lβ suggestive of GM-CSF induced activation of the monocyte-macrophage series was documented during GM-CSF administration given after CTX, CBDCA and myeloablative therapy In contrast, no increases were recorded in any other interleukin tested A temporary increase soluble IL-2 receptor values, superimposable on that of Np, ILl-ot and IL-1 β, occurred when absolute CD4+ and CD8+ number were still below basal values. The rise in this molecule, therefore, also seems to be an index of activation of monocytemacrophage line, rather than T-lymphocyte line, cells. CDS soluble receptor levels, unlike those of IL-2, rose only in the post-transplant phase. The trend of increase was superimposable on the absolute values of CDS lymphocyte and was correlated with the expansion of this lymphocyte population.