ENHANCEMENT OF COLONY-STIMULATING ACTIVITY PRODUCTION BY LITHIUM

Abstract

Since Li caused granulocytosis in some patients, its effect upon granulocyte production was investigated using mouse marrow in the agar culture system. When Li was added to semisolid cultures of mouse marrow, there was no stimulation of colony formation in the absence of colony-stimulating activity (CSA). In addition, Li did not potentiate the action of already formed CSA. However, Li stimulated the production of CSA by lung tissue. Li enhancement of CSA production was blocked by puromycin, indicating that Li action required active new protein synthesis. Li probably promoted enhanced granulocyte production in vitro by stimulating the synthesis of CSA.