Abstract
Summary
The in vivo effect of microorganisms upon granulopoiesis of axenic mice was studied. A marked rise in CSA production occurred immediately after germ-free mice were exposed to microorganisms. This rise in CSA was correlated with a rise in stool bacterial levels and a rise in absolute granulocyte count. As the absolute granulocyte count rose, both CSA production and stool bacterial levels decreased. The peak of granulocytes was reached after the commencement but during the fall of CSA and bacteria levels. These studies are compatible with the suggestion that CSA production is modulated by the levels of microorganisms and their products, and that neutrophils serve as a negative feedback arm in the scheme of granulocyte regulation by inactivation of the stimulatory effect of microorganisms.
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