37] Induction of interferon by bacterial endotoxin

Abstract

Publisher Summary Interferon (IF) induced by endotoxin (EII) appears more rapidly in the circulation than virus-induced interferon. EII, however, is not previously stored in the cells, but is synthesized in response to specific stimuli and after synthesis of specific RNA and protein. Continuous cell cultures have not been reported to produce EII. EII is produced by the animal body or by lymphoid cells and macrophages freshly harvested from the animal body. Lower temperatures are appropriate for cells to produce EII in a culture medium than are required for virus-stimulated IF production. The optimum temperature for the stimulation of peritoneal leukocytes with Newcastle disease virus to produce IF in vitro is 40°, but 22-26° is optimal to produce EII. There are various treatments that reduce EII production: injection of corticosteroids, is adrenalectomy, injection of olive oil emulsion, laparotomy, is and infusion of air into the peritoneal cavity. The kinds of treatment will have either no influence or an inhibitory effect on virus-induced IF production.