(2'-5') Oligoadenylate synthetase in the maturation of rabbit reticulocytes.

The (2'-5') oligoadenylate synthetase normally found in interferon-treated cells has also been detected in considerable amounts in normal rabbit reticulocytes not exposed to interferon. The activity of this enzyme has been followed during the development of the reticulocytes to erythrocytes. A high level was found just after the formation of reticulocytes and this activity decayed with a half-life of about 3 days. In lymphocytes the (2'-5') oligoadenylate synthetase was found to stay at a constant level, which indicates the absence of interferon in the plasma.