Effect of alpha-interferon on erythrocyte and hepatocyte plasma membranes derived from cirrhotic rats.

Interferons are recognized to inhibit collagen production. Since fibrosis has been associated with liver dysfunction, we investigated the effects of alpha-interferon on the function and lipid composition of hepatocyte and erythrocyte plasma membranes derived from CCl4-cirrhotic male Wistar rats. In both cell types, CCl4 decreased Na+/K+ and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and increased the cholesterol to phospholipids (CH/PL) ratio (p < 0.05). Administration of interferon (80,000 IU/kg s.c. for 8 weeks) increased survival from 40 to 90%, and preserved normal ATPase activity and CH/PL ratio. Our results show that administration of alpha-interferon to CCl4-cirrhotic rats improves survival, and liver and erythrocyte membrane function and composition, probably as a result of its antifibrogenic effect.