This study was done in an attempt to elucidate some of the properties of bovine IFNs. Maximum levels of both fibroblast and leukocyte IFNs occurred prior to 24 h whereas maximum levels of immune IFN were not reached until after 72 h. The latter species of IFN was unstable at either pH 2 or 56 degrees C whereas both the fibroblast and leukocyte IFNs were more stable under these conditions. Studies of cross-species protection between fibroblast and leukocyte IFNs indicate that the former was more protective for other species than the latter.

Bovine interferons (IFNs) were able to prime either bovine leukocytes or bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, greatly enhancing the production of IFNs. The priming could be readily demonstrated by leukocyte, fibroblast, and immune IFNs. Differences between the priming abilities of the various IFNs remain to be evaluated.

No abstract