The Effects of rHuIFN-αA/D on Brain Lipids and Behavior of Neonatal ICR Swiss Albino Mice

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Abstract
Systemic administration of interferon (IFN) can cause reversible neurologic side effects, but there is little information on its effect on the developing nervous system. We studied the effects of daily, subcutaneus injections of recombinant human interferon-.alpha.A/D (rHuIFN-.alpha.A/D) (which has biological activity in mice) on brain development of neonatal ICR Swiss albino mice. Animals were treated daily between 8 and 20 days of age (doa) with 5 .times. 104 units (U) of rHuIFN-.alpha.A/D and sacrificed at 24, 62, and 111 doa following testing in an active avoidance paradigm. Results show that rHuIFN-.alpha.A/D causes transient decreases in body and brain weights. There were no changes in brain total lipid, ganglioside, phosphorus, or cholesterol content, but there was a transient decrease in neutral glycolipid content. In addition, treated animals exhibited decreased spontaneous activity levels and an impaired retention of a learned behavior. These results suggest that there are some long-term treatment effects on behavior following administration of rHuIFN-.alpha.A/D to mice during the neonatal period.