Functional and ultrastructural studies of the effects of human interferon on cell membranes of in vitro cultured cells.

The effect of human leukocyte interferon on cultured U-amnion cells was examined, and several biological parameters were registered. Multiplication of Vesicular stomatitis virus and the virus-produced cytopathogenic effect was prevented. The growth rate of uninfected cells was reduced, as well as the spontaneous release of 3H-uridine. These effects were observed following treatment with 10 units of interferon per ml. No morphological alterations could be detected by scanning electron microscopy after 24 or 72 hours treatment with up to 2000 units interferon per ml.