Induction of antiviral response by electric pulses

Antiviral activity was detected in porcine leukocytes obtained from animals killed in a slaughterhouse. The activity appeared in the supernatant immed iately after the addition of Sendai virus, an intended interferon (IFN) ind ucer. Electroinduction appears to be responsible for the production of anti viral molecules in both porcine and human leukocytes. The macromolecule con ferring the antiviral activity is sensitive to heat and pH 2.0 treatment. T he preformed or electroinduced antiviral activity originating from porcine leukocytes was not neutralized by either anti-PoIFN-alpha or anti-PoIFN-gam ma. The substance involved differs from all known antiviral proteins in tha t it is not secreted spontaneously into the extracellular space. Its releas e requires intact and virulent Sendai virus as a trigger signal. Difference s in antigenic properties and characteristics indicate that this is a new a ntiviral substance.