INTERACTION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN WITH FETAL LIVER-CELLS .2. INHIBITION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN EFFECT BY INTERFERON

Abstract

To investigate the effect of interferon on the proliferation of normal erythroid precursor cells, various interferon preparations were added to mouse fetal liver cells cultured in a liquid microculture system. The effect of interferon was studied using cellular 3H-thymidine incorporation in the presence and absence of erythropoietin. Interferon suppressed cellular 3H-thymidine incorporation. The suppression was directly related to the antiviral activity and was not found when control preparations were used. The mechanism of suppression seemed to involve a direct effect on the cells which was independent of erythropoietin. The viral inhibitory effects of interferon may also be accompanied by effects on normal cellular proliferation. [The possible use of interferon as a chemotherapeutic agent in cancer was discussed.].