Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor regulates activity of the nervous system.

Objectives: The peripheral administration of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), widely used for the treatment of cytopenias, is often associated with neurological effects [Lieschke et al., N Engl J Med 1992;327:28-34]. This cytokine has recently been reported to affect neurotransmitter metabolism in the nervous system [Bianchi, Neuroreport 1997;8:3587-3590].