MACROPHAGE FUNCTION IN THE ACUTE PHASE OF LACTIC-DEHYDROGENASE VIRUS-INFECTION OF MICE - SUPPRESSION OF SUPEROXIDE ANION PRODUCTION IN NORMAL MOUSE PERITONEAL-MACROPHAGES BY INTERFERON-ALPHA INVITRO

The effect of interferon (IFN)-α on the release of superoxide anions (O2-) by normal mouse macrophages (PEM) was examined. Sera from LDV-infected mice at 1 day, but not at 7 days post-infection, suppressed the O2- release by PEM. When PEM were exposed in vitro for 24 h to IFN-α, their capacity to release O2- was significantly suppressed. Progressive suppression of O2- release with increasing IFN-α concentration was observed. These results suggest that IFN-α in the circulation may be one of several suppressive factors on macrophage function in the early phase of infection and IFN-α may play a modulatory role in inflammation and immunity. © 1992.