INTERFERON-ALPHA(2B), INCREASES FIBROLYSIS IN FIBROTIC LIVERS FROM BILE-DUCT LIGATED RATS - POSSIBLE PARTICIPATION OF THE PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR

Interferons are known to prevent liver collagen by an antifibrogenic m echanism that involves mRNA procollagen regulation. The aim of the pre sent work was to determine whether interferon could also decrease coll agen by increasing its degradation. Fibrosis was induced in male Wista r rats by double ligation and section of the common bile duct. Interfe ron-alpha(2b) (100,000 IU/rat s.c.) was administered to bile duct liga ted rats daily after surgery for 4 weeks. Interferon increased the cap acity of the liver to degrade type I and III collagens and matrigel. I n addition, the plasminogen activator activity also increased. Since p lasminogens are thought to be key participants in the balance of prote olytic activities that regulate extracellular matrix degradation, thei r elevation may also provide another antifibrotic (proteolytic) mechan ism of action of interferon.