The effect of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor on glutathione and lipid peroxidation in a rat model

Aims: Irradiation decreases incisional healing and produces oxygen radicals that damage cells. Because of the lipid component in the membrane, lipid p eroxidation is reported to be particularly susceptible to radiation damage. Glutathione acts as a cosubstrate in the enzymatic repair of radiation dam age. The aim of this study is to examine the role of granulocyte macrophage -colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in incisional skin wounds by investigat ing lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in the irradiated rat s. Methods: Rats were irradiated with cobalt 60 and a dorsal skin incision was made 2 days after irradiation. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 : control; group 2: GM-CSF administered; group 3. irradiated control group; group 4: irradiated and GM-CSF administered group. Results: By irradiation, a marked lipid peroxidation increase was demonstra ted. Two days after irradiation, in animals given total body irradiation (T BI), application of a single topical dose of GM-CSF decreased lipid peroxid ation of the tissue decreased significantly. By drug administration, the GS H content of the skin increased both in the irradiated and non-irradiated g roups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that GM-CSF modulate lipid peroxidation an d GSH of the skin wound. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.