In vivo subcellular target compartments of interferon-gamma and interferon-gamma receptor (alpha- and beta-chains) in mouse liver.

IFN-gamma displays several effects on different tissues via its specific cell surface receptor (IFN-gammaR). In order to identify the target compartments of IFN-gamma and IFN-gammaR (alpha and beta-chains), we used a quantitative immunogold approach. In physiological conditions, IFN-gamma and IFN-gammaR immunoreactivities were detected in the plasma membrane, in the endoplasmic reticulum area, in the mitochondria and in the nucleus. After a single IFN-gamma injection, we observed, in a quantitative manner, an increase of signal density without modification of the subcellular distribution of IFN-gamma and IFN-gammaR subunits.