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Effect of antibiotics on interferon production in mice
Abstract:
Neomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, rifampicin and oxytetracycline were tested for their influence on virus induced interferon (IF) production in mice. Repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of antibiotics were given to produce significant serum concentrations during the time of IF production, induced by i.p. injections of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). IF titres in antibiotic-treated mice determined 6 hours after induction were compared to titres in control mice given NDV only. The IF production was not significantly modified in most of the antibiotic treated mice. Only the highest dose of chloramphenicol (2500 mug/mouse) appeared to cause a reduction in IF production (p less than 0.10). Addition of antibiotics in vitro did not alter the antiviral titres of IF.
Insights
This study investigated how antibiotics affect virus-induced interferon (IF) production in mice. Most tested antibiotics did not significantly alter IF production, except for a high dose of chloramphenicol.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon (IF) is a crucial cytokine in the innate immune response against viral infections.
- Understanding how common antimicrobial agents interact with IF production is important for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of selected antibiotics on virus-induced interferon production in a murine model.
- To determine if in vitro exposure to antibiotics affects antiviral activity of interferon.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered neomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, rifampicin, or oxytetracycline via intraperitoneal injection.
- Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was used to induce interferon production.
- Serum interferon titers were measured 6 hours post-induction in antibiotic-treated and control groups.
- Antibiotics were also added directly to interferon samples in vitro to assess their effect on antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- Interferon production was not significantly altered by most tested antibiotics (neomycin, gentamycin, rifampicin, oxytetracycline).
- A high dose of chloramphenicol (2500 µg/mouse) showed a trend towards reduced interferon production (p < 0.10).
- In vitro addition of antibiotics did not affect the antiviral titers of pre-existing interferon.
Conclusions:
- The tested antibiotics generally do not interfere with the in vivo production of virus-induced interferon in mice.
- Chloramphenicol at high doses may have a modest inhibitory effect on interferon induction.
- Antibiotics do not directly neutralize the antiviral activity of interferon in vitro.