Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

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Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells and release them into the bloodstream.

Pronunciation

The pronunciation of Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is /ˌɡrænjʊˈlaɪt ˈkɒləni stɪmjuˈleɪtɪŋ ˈfæktər/.

Etymology

The term "Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor" is derived from the function of the glycoprotein. "Granulocyte" refers to a type of white blood cell that has granules in its cytoplasm. "Colony-stimulating factor" refers to the function of the glycoprotein in stimulating the production and proliferation of cells.

Function

G-CSF is produced by endothelium, macrophages, and a number of other immune cells. The pharmaceutical analogs of naturally occurring G-CSF are called filgrastim and lenograstim.

Clinical significance

G-CSF stimulates the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of neutrophil precursors and mature neutrophils. It is used therapeutically to increase the number of neutrophil granulocytes in the blood of patients with insufficient white blood cells, for example in patients who have received chemotherapy.

Related terms

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