Production and function of human decidual granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-GSF)

Summary G-CSF is a hematopoietic factor, which induces differentiation and proliferation of immature granulocytes. During pregnancy, decidual tissue produces G-CSF and the receptor for G-CSF is expressed on chorionic villous tissues. This study attempted to determine the cell population responsible for G-CSF production in decidual tissue and the influence of G-CSF on trophoblast cells. Immunostaining and in situ hybridization showed that both the decidual cells and macrophages in the decidual tissue were sources of G-CSF. With 50 ng of G-CSF the [ 3 H] thymidine uptake was 11,100±2,200 DPM and the control uptake was 7,970±1,820 DPM. G-CSF induced an increase of [ 3 H] thymidine uptake of cytotrophoblast cells 1.4 times than that of control. It is concluded that the decidual cells and macrophages were sources of G-CSF in the decidual tissue, and G-CSF might induce decidualization and promote trophoblast cell proliferation.