Regulation of physiological interferon synthesis by a fraction of mouse peritoneal cells.

A suspension of resident peritoneal cells isolated from individual Balb/c mice was subjected to gradual separation into the cells adherent and nonadherent to glass. The isolated fast adherent fraction displayed regulatory properties in relation to spontaneous interferon synthesis. Depending on whether the cells come from strong or weak producers of physiological interferon, they either potentiated or inhibited IFN synthesis. In the former case when fast--adherent cells were removed the suppression of IFN synthesis was observed. Its addition to peritoneal cells producing interferon, increased the titers of interferons obtained. However, when the cells originated from weak producers, exclusion of fast adherent fraction resulted in unblocking of the synthesis of interferon. On the other hand addition of fast adherent fraction to peritoneal cells producing spontaneous IFN caused inhibition of the synthesis.