Stimulus-dependent requirement for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in inflammation

Abstract

Data from several infiammation/autoimmunity models indicate that GM-CSF can be a key inflammatory mediator. Convenient models in readily accessible tissues are needed to enable the GM-CSF-dependent cellular responses to be elaborated. In this study, we show that, in contrast to the response to the commonly used i.p. irritant, thioglycolate medium, an Ag-specific methylated BSA-induced peritonitis in GM-CSF-/- mice was severely compromised. The reduced response in the latter peritonitis model was characterized by fewer neutrophils and macrophages, as well as by deficiencies in the properties of the remaining macrophages, namely size and granularity, phagocytosis, allogeneic T cell triggering,..