Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has differing effects comparing intravascular versus extravascular models of sepsis.

Background: Previously, neutrophil stimulation with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) pretreatment increased survival rates in canines challenged with intraperitoneal or intrabronchial Escherichia coli and in rats challenged with intrabronchial Staphylococcus aureus. We investigated whether G-CSF pretreatment would be beneficial with intravascular challenge in these models.

Methods: Animals were randomized to G-CSF or placebo pretreatment followed by intravenous E.