G-CSF does not improve systolic function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported to improve cardiac performance by increasing the number of bone marrow stem cell in the peripheral circulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of G-CSF administration on cardiac function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS: Recombinant human G-CSF (Filgrastim, 100 microg/kg, sc) twice a day during seven consecutive days (G-CSF group, n=13) or vehicle (control group, n=10) was administrated three hours after left anterior coronary artery ligation. Cardiac performance was evaluated 19-21 days after myocardial infarction by electro- and echocardiography, hemodynamic and treadmill exercise test.

RESULTS: Both infarcted groups exhibit impaired cardiac function compared to sham-operated rats. Moreover, all cardiac functional parameters were not statistically different between G-CSF and infarcted group at resting conditions as well as after treadmill exercise stress test. There was no sign of cardiac regeneration and infarct size was not different on histological analysis between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: These data clearly shows that G-CSF treatment was unable to prevent cardiac remodeling or to improve cardiovascular function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction, by permanent LAD ligation, despite bone marrow stem cell mobilization.