POPULATIONS OF THYMOCYTES AND PERIPHERAL-BLOOD LEUKOCYTES IN LEUKEMIA-BEARING MICE TREATED WITH G-CSF

The influence of granulocyle-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on thym ocyte subsets and peripheral blood leucocytes in leukaemia L1210-beari ng mice was evaluated. Leukaemia-bearing mice have a markedly reduced L3T4(+)Lyt2(+) thymocyte subpopulation. We observed 'correction' of re lative values of thymocyte subpopulations induced by treatment of mice with a G-CSF preparation. The suggestion is presented that this could result from liberation of lymphocyte T precursor cells from the bone marrow and increased homing of them into the thymus. The direct or ind irect influence of G-CSF on the L3T4(+)Lyt2(+) subpopulation of thymoc ytes is discussed.