Related Experiment Videos
Modulation of peripheral leukocyte counts in mice by oral administration of interferons
W R Fleischmann1, E E Fields, J L Wang
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Abstract:
The ability of interferons (IFN) to exert a systemic effect following their oral administration was evaluated. One systemic effect of parenteral interferon administration has been shown to be a suppression of the number of peripheral white blood cells both in man and in mouse models. Using the mouse model of peripheral white blood cell suppression, the relative systemic effects of orally and subcutaneously administered interferons were determined. Murine IFN-beta, murine IFN-gamma and cross-reactive recombinant human IFN-alpha A/D were examined. The oral administrations of each of the three interferons were found to cause a dose-dependent suppression of the peripheral white blood cell counts. Significant levels of suppression were seen with as little as 5 units/day of murine IFN-beta and with 500 units/day of recombinant human IFN-alpha A/D and murine IFN-gamma. The dose-response curves obtained with orally administered interferons were much more shallow than those obtained with subcutaneously administered interferons. The results demonstrate that oral administration of interferons can provide a significant systemic effect. Further, the results support the possibility that the oral administration of interferons may have therapeutic potential.
Insights
Oral administration of interferons (IFN) can induce systemic effects, specifically reducing white blood cell counts in mice. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of orally administered interferons.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parenteral interferon administration is known to cause systemic effects, including peripheral white blood cell suppression.
- Evaluating the systemic effects of oral interferon administration is crucial for understanding alternative delivery routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the systemic effects of orally administered interferons (IFN) using a mouse model.
- To compare the efficacy of oral versus subcutaneous interferon administration in inducing peripheral white blood cell suppression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to evaluate peripheral white blood cell suppression.
- Administered murine IFN-beta, murine IFN-gamma, and recombinant human IFN-alpha A/D orally and subcutaneously.
- Determined dose-dependent responses for each interferon type.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of all three tested interferons resulted in dose-dependent suppression of peripheral white blood cell counts.
- Significant suppression was observed with low doses of murine IFN-beta (5 units/day) and higher doses of human IFN-alpha A/D and murine IFN-gamma (500 units/day).
- Oral administration yielded shallower dose-response curves compared to subcutaneous administration.
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of interferons can elicit significant systemic effects.
- The findings support the potential therapeutic applications of oral interferon delivery.