The influence of G-CSF addition to antibiotic treatment of experimental sepsis on pulmonary tissue.

AIM

To investigate the effects of G-CSF addition to antibiotic treatment of experimental sepsis on pulmonary lung tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The first four groups received a bolus intraperitoneal injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The first group (Group SAG) received a combined therapy of imipenem and G-CSF, the second group (Group SA) received only imipenem, the third group (Group SG) received only G-CSF, and no antibiotic or G-CSF was given to the fourth group (Group S). The fifth group (Group C) served as the control. Survival rates, peripheral leukocyte counts (PLC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were obtained, and lung tissues were examined under light microscopy.

RESULTS

Survival rates at the 120th hour were 100% in groups SAG, SA and C; 20% in group SG; and 0% in group S. PLC and ANC values reached their highest levels at the 36th hour in the SAG group and at the 60th hour in the SA group. Pulmonary architecture was better preserved in the SAG, SA and SG groups--in that order--than in the S group.

CONCLUSION

Particularly in the early phase of infection, the administration of G-CSF in combination with antibiotics would be appropriate for maximizing the effect of antibiotics as soon as possible and for minimizing the damage caused by inflammation.