Cytokine induction of interferon regulatory factor-1 in hepatocytes

Background. Interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) is a transcriptional factor originally cloned from fibroblasts that activates interferons and certain interferon-responsive genes. Because IRF-1 is an «early-immediate» nuclear protein, it can function acutely after trauma or septic stimuli. We have identified IRF-1 expression in hepatocytes in vivo in sepsis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the cytokine signals that up-regulate IRF-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in cultured hepatocytes. Methods. Rat hepatocytes were isolated by in situ collagenase perfusion and stimulated in vitro with cytokines