P. Gessler et al., Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor expression on neutrophils of term and preterm neonates with and without signs of infection, EUR J PED, 158(6), 1999, pp. 497-500
Neutrophils are an essential component of the human host defence system aga
inst infection. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ind
uces neutrophilia and enhances effector functions of mature neutrophils, Si
nce the biological effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
are mediated by its receptor, we investigated the expression of G-CSF rece
ptor on the surface of neutrophils of term and preterm neonates (n = 22) wi
th and without signs of infection and of healthy adults (n = 13) by flow cy
tometry. In healthy adults, the percentage of neutrophils expressing G-CSF
receptor was higher compared to cord blood of term and preterm neonates (87
% vs 53%, P < 0.05). Between 2 and 32 h of life, neonates with signs of inf
ection showed lower values of G-CSF receptor expression compared to neonate
s without signs of infection (32% vs 54%, P < 0.05). No correlation was det
ectable between expression of G-CSF receptor and gestational age.
Conclusion Expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor on
neutrophils is lower than in adults. This may adversely affect granulopoies
is and neutrophil function during the neonatal period. Moreover, granulocyt
e colony-stimulating factor receptor expression seems to be down-regulated
during neonatal infection.