Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ GM-CSF was initially characterized as a factor that can support the in vitro colony formation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. It is also a growth factor for erythroid, megakaryocyte, and eosinophil progenitors. GM-CSF is produced by a number of different cell types (including T cells, B cells, macrophages, mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes) in response to cytokine or inflammatory stimuli. On mature hematopoietic cells, GM-CSF is a survival factor for and activates the effector functions of granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and eosinophils. GM-CSF promotes a Th1 biased immune response, angiogenesis, allergic inflammation, and the development of autoimmunity. It shows clinical effectiveness in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and GM-CSF transfected tumor cells are utilized as cancer vaccines. The 22 kDa glycosylated GM-CSF, similar to IL-3 and IL-5, is a cytokine with a core of four bundled alpha -helices. Mature rat GM-CSF shares 56-69% amino acid sequence identity with canine, feline, human, mouse, and porcine GM-CSF. GM-CSF exerts its biological effects through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of GM-CSF R alpha /CD116 and the signal transducing common beta chain (CD131) which is also a component of the high-affinity receptors for IL-3 and IL-5. In addition, GM-CSF binds a naturally occurring soluble form of GM-CSF R alpha. Rat GM-CSF is active on mouse cells, although mouse GM-CSF is only weakly active on rat cells._x000D_ Specificity_x000D_ Detects rat GM-CSF in direct ELISAs and Western blot. In direct ELISAs, approximately 100% cross-reactivity with recombinant feline GM-CSF and recombinant porcine GM-CSF is observed, approximately 30% cross-reactivity with recombinant mouse GM-CSF, recombinant canine GM-CSF and recombinant human GM-CSF is observed._x000D_ Immunogen_x000D_ Purified recombinant rat GM-CSF expressed in E. coli._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution of phosphate buffered saline with 5% trehalose_x000D_ Reconstitution_x000D_ Reconstitute at 0.2 mg/mL in sterile PBS._x000D_ Disclaimer_x000D_ Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals.