A (2'-5')An-dependent endonuclease: tissue distribution in BALB/c mice and the effects of IFN-beta treatment and anti-IFN-alpha/beta immunoglobulin on the levels of the enzyme.

A (2'-5')oligoadenylate-dependent endoribonuclease (RNase L) is an important mediator of the IFN-induced antiviral state. RNase L has been found in several different murine tissues at levels comparable to those previously observed in cultured cells. A basal level of RNase L is present in all tissues assayed. The levels of RNase L in tissues are not significantly increased in mice following treatment with interferon-beta (IFN-beta). The amount of RNase L is, however, decreased in spleen when mice are injected with rabbit antimouse IFN-alpha/beta immunoglobulin. These data suggest that relatively high levels of RNase L may be maintained in tissues by endogenous IFN-alpha/beta production.