(2'-5')An-dependent RNase: enzyme levels are decreased in barrier-reared control and IFN-beta or IFN-gamma treated Balb/c mice.
(2'-5')An-dependent RNase functions as a translational regulatory protein which mediates interferon action. Levels of this enzyme are decreased in barrier-reared Balb/c (+/+), Balb/c (+/nu), and Balb/c (nu/nu) mice when compared to conventionally reared Balb/c (+/+) mice. This suggests that high levels of (2'-5')An-dependent RNase in conventionally reared mice are maintained by continuous exposure to microbial flora which may induce interferons. Interferon treatment of barrier-reared mice does not, however, result in an increase in (2'-5')An-dependent RNase levels. This suggests that responsiveness to interferons is decreased in barrier-reared mice. The high levels of (2'-5')An-dependent RNase which are maintained in normal mice under physiological conditions may be important for rapid and effective defense against viral pathogens.
Floyd-Smith
G
G
Department of Zoology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287.
D000818:Animals; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000378:metabolism*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D013154:Spleen / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D004722:Endoribonucleases; C031956:2-5A-dependent ribonuclease