GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR IMPROVES SURVIVAL IN 2 MODELS OF GUT-DERIVED SEPSIS BY IMPROVING GUT BARRIER FUNCTION AND MODULATING BACTERIAL CLEARANCE

Objective The effect of recombinant murine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) on survival and host defense was studied using two clinically relevant models of infection that included transfusion-induced immunosuppression. Summary Background Data Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor improves resistance in several models of infection, but its role in transfusion-induced immunosuppression and bacterial translocation (gut-derived sepsis) has not been defined. Methods Balb/c mice were treated with 100 ng of rmGM-CSF or placebo for 6 days in a model of transfusion, burn, and gavage, of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Translocation was studied in the first model. Results Survival alter transfusion, burn, and gavage was 90% in rmGM-CSF-treated animals versus 35% in the control group (p < 0.001). After CLP, survival was 75% in the rmGM-CSF group versus 30% in the control group (p = 0.01). Less translocation and better killing of bacteria was observed in the tissues in animals treated with rmGM-CSF. Conclusion The ability of rmGM-CSF to improve gut barrier function and enhance killing of translocated organisms after burn injury-induced gut origin sepsis was associated with improved outcome. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor also improved survival after CLP.