Organ Distribution of Interferon after Intravenous Injection into Active and Hibernating Spotted Susliks

Abstract

Spotted suslik fibroblast interferon (SuIFN-.beta.) was given intravenously to animals active in summer and hibernating in winter. In both groups, most IFN was detectable in the serum 1 min after injection; in hibernating susliks, in spite of their arousal from hibernation, IFN remained detectable for a longer period in the seurm. IFN was also detected in lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys and in peritoneal washings. IFN levels in the organs were lower in hibernating susliks than in active ones, but, particularly in the spleen and kidneys, IFN remained detectable for longer in hibernating animals than in active susliks.