Differences in Interferon Content in Tissues of Mice of Various Ages Infected with Goxsackie B1 Virus.

Abstract

SummaryMice 24 hours to 6 weeks old were infected with Coxsackie B1 virus. Their tissues were assayed for virus and interferon content. It was demonstrated that adult mice produced interferon in all the tissues which became infected, whereas suckling mice produced small amounts of interferon in their livers only. There is a direct relationship between interferon titers and rapidity with which virus disappears from the tissues. A hypothesis is offered that the difference in outcome of Coxsackie B1 infection in the suckling and older mouse is in large part to be explained by inability of the cells of the immature animal to elaborate interferon.