Influence of theophylline on interferon production and cAMP level Lpa cells.

In the presence and absence of methionine initiator tRNA (tRNA(iMet)) theophylline applied for 1 h starting 6 h after induction increased significantly (2-fold) interferon (IFN) yield. Theophylline did not change the kinetics of IFN production in the presence of tRNA(iMet). The shut-off stage was present and the production was prolonged to 24 h after IFN induction. In comparison with the values obtained in untreated cells, poly I:C plus DEAE dextran (inducing complex) caused an about 2-2.5 fold increase of cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) level. The similar results were observed in the cells treated with inducing complex plus tRNA(iMet). About 2-fold higher cAMP level occurred in the cells under the influence of the inducing complex plus theophylline in comparison to the level obtained without theophylline. The addition of tRNA(iMet) did not influence the above presented data.