Biologic Properties of Polynucleotides

Abstract

Summary Of a variety of naturally occurring and synthetic polynucleotides, only polyinosinic acid (poly I) is capable of evoking vascular permeability in guinea pig skin. This property of poly I is abolished by hydrogen-bonded helix formation with polyadenylic or polycytidylic acids, a maneuver which also destroys the capacity of poly I to interact with the complement system. The capacity of poly I to evoke vascular permeability is not affected by antihistamine. This biologic property of poly I supports previous evidence indicating that poly I can function as an activator of the first component of complement.