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Production of interferon in mice: effect of altered gaseous environments
Abstract:
Effects of altered gaseous environments (parabarosis) on interferon production in mice were studied, with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as the inducer. Increased levels of interferon in lung tissue were observed when mice were exposed to 11% O(2) in N(2) for 3 days before and after, or only after, injection of NDV. However, serum interferon levels remained unchanged. Exposure of mice to 77% O(2) for up to 7 days did not affect the response to interferon induction as assayed in lungs or sera. Interferon levels were significantly depressed in mice exposed to a simulated depth of 213 ft in seawater [with normal partial pressure of O(2) (pO(2)) in N(2)] for 2 or 4 weeks. Whereas definite depression of interferon was also observed in mice maintained at a simulated altitude of 37,000 ft (with normal pO(2)) for 2 weeks, those maintained at the same condition for 4 weeks showed a normal level of interferon. The results obtained with hypoxia are compatible with other reports on the influence of O(2) tension on viral infection. The factors responsible for alterations observed in interferon level in mice kept in normal pO(2), but under altered pressure, have not yet been identified.
Insights
Altered gaseous environments affect interferon production. Hypoxia increased lung interferon, while high pressure and prolonged hypoxia altered interferon levels, impacting immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Interferon production is crucial for antiviral defense.
- Gaseous environments and pressure changes can influence physiological responses.
- Parabarosis, the effect of altered gaseous environments, is poorly understood in relation to immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of altered gaseous environments on interferon production in mice.
- To determine how varying oxygen levels and pressures affect the immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV).
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to different oxygen concentrations (11% and 77% O2) and simulated deep-sea (213 ft) or high-altitude (37,000 ft) conditions.
- Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was used to induce interferon production.
- Interferon levels were measured in lung tissue and serum.
Main Results:
- Exposure to 11% O2 (hypoxia) increased lung interferon levels post-NDV injection, but serum levels remained unchanged.
- Exposure to 77% O2 did not alter interferon induction.
- Simulated deep-sea pressure (213 ft) for 2-4 weeks significantly depressed interferon levels.
- Simulated high altitude (37,000 ft) initially depressed interferon levels, which normalized after 4 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Altered gaseous environments, particularly hypoxia and high pressure, significantly modulate interferon production.
- Lung interferon response is more sensitive to environmental changes than serum interferon.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific factors responsible for pressure-induced alterations in interferon levels.