BOVINE ENDOTHELIAL-LIKE CELLS INCREASE INTERCELLULAR-JUNCTIONS UNDER TREATMENT WITH INTERFERON-GAMMA - AN IN-VITRO STUDY

We have recently shown that a subgroup of endothelial-like cells from the bovine corpus luteum maintains cytokeratin (CK) expression in long -term culture. Treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for three d ays brought about an increase in the intercellular junctions in CK-pos itive post-confluent cultures, as shown by immunofluorescence with spe cific monoclonal antibodies and by electron microscopy. Desmosomes, zo nulae adhaerentes and both tight and gap junctions were found. The int ercellular junctions (excluding the gap junctions) had increased in am ount, while permeability of the cell layer to horseradish peroxidase ( HRP) had decreased. Hence, IFN-gamma has reinforced intercellular junc tions in our CK-positive endothelial-like cells.