Colony stimulating factors
Colony Stimulating Factors
Colony Stimulating Factors (pronunciation: /ˈkɒləni stɪmjuːleɪtɪŋ ˈfæktəz/), often abbreviated as CSFs, are a group of substances that stimulate the production of blood cells and promote their ability to function. They are secreted by various cells in the body and have a key role in the body's response to injury and infection.
Etymology
The term "Colony Stimulating Factors" is derived from their function. They stimulate the growth of colonies of blood cells in a laboratory setting, hence the name.
Types of Colony Stimulating Factors
There are several types of Colony Stimulating Factors, including:
- Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF): This stimulates the production of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell.
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF): This stimulates the production of both granulocytes and macrophages, another type of white blood cell.
- Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (M-CSF): This stimulates the production of macrophages.
- Interleukin-3 (IL-3): This stimulates the production of various types of blood cells.
Clinical Use
Colony Stimulating Factors are used in medicine to increase the number of white blood cells in patients who have a low white blood cell count, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. They can also be used to stimulate the production of stem cells in patients who are about to undergo a stem cell transplant.
Related Terms
- Hematopoiesis: The process by which the body produces blood cells.
- Cytokines: A broad category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling, which includes Colony Stimulating Factors.
- Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Stem Cell Transplant: A procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Colony stimulating factors
- Wikipedia's article - Colony stimulating factors
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