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Compared to the well-characterized murine and human interferons, few studies have been conducted on rat interferons. In the present study, we compared three rat interferon bioassays: a plaque-reduction method, a hemagglutination yield-reduction method, and a method involving reduction in viral cytopathic effect. These methods were evaluated in order to better assay rat interferons and thus facilitate investigations to determine the antiviral, antitumor, and immunoregulatory role of interferon in existing rat model systems. Each method has certain desirable characteristics; the choice of bioassay depends on the specific application required. Overall, the reduction in viral cytopathic effect bioassay combines most of the desired features of a rat interferon bioassay including sensitivity, precision, convenience, rapidity, and economy.
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