A hematopoetic factor called "colony stimulating factor" (CSF) is capable of synergizing the attracting capabilities of chemokines and of inducing the accumulation and/or activation in vitro and in vivo of key components of inflammatory responses. Various types of agents that inhibit or otherwise hinder the production, release or activity of CSF could be used therapeutically in the treatment of ischemia and other inflammatory diseases, such as autoimmune disease, and various chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.