Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) enhances recovery in mouse model of Parkinson's disease

▶ Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) improved locomotor activity slightly when administered after completion of a course of MPTP treatment in old mice. ▶ Mild enhancement of locomotor activity in the MPTP-treated mice was associated with partial repletion of striatal DA levels and its metabolites. ▶ G-CSF administration significantly decreased the burden of activated striatal microglia, identified by Iba1 immunostaining. ▶ Beneficial effects of G-CSF are mediated, in part, by modulation of the microglial response to injury.