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Developmentally regulated expression of the interferon system during Syrian hamster embryogenesis
Journal of Interferon Research
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Interferon (IFN) expression in Syrian hamster embryos shows developmental control. Early embryonic cells have unique IFN properties, with changes occurring during gestation and cell passaging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) plays a crucial role in antiviral defense.
- Understanding IFN system development during embryogenesis is vital for developmental immunology.
- Previous studies have not fully characterized IFN expression during early embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression of interferon (IFN) and its related components during Syrian hamster embryogenesis.
- To investigate the impact of gestational age and in vitro passaging on IFN antiviral activity, 2",5"-oligo A synthetase levels, IFN-producing cell populations, and IFN molecular structure.
- To determine if IFN system components are under developmental control.
Main Methods:
- Cell cultures derived from Syrian hamster embryos (8-13 days gestation) were used.
- Assays included antiviral activity, 2',5'-oligo A synthetase activity, IFN-producing cell quantification (zone of protection assay), and IFN molecular structure analysis (chromatography).
- Both in vivo development and in vitro passaging effects were examined.
Main Results:
- Antiviral responsiveness and IFN-induced 2',5'-oligo A synthetase levels increased with gestational age and in vitro passaging.
- Early gestation cells (9 days) had higher basal 2',5'-oligo A synthetase levels but lower IFN-induced levels compared to later gestation cells (13 days).
- Early gestation cells (8 days) contained significantly more IFN-producing cells; a unique embryonic IFN species was detected in 9-day cells.
Conclusions:
- Expression of IFN antiviral activity, 2',5'-oligo A synthetase, IFN-producing cell populations, and IFN molecular structure are developmentally regulated during Syrian hamster embryogenesis.
- Gestational age significantly influences the IFN system's components and responsiveness.
- In vitro passaging can alter some IFN system parameters, mimicking aspects of in vivo development.