Interferon production in severe hemophiliacs with and without HIV antibodies.

The interferon (IFN) system, both serum IFN levels and the in vitro IFN production, was investigated in 38 clinically asymptomatic multitransfused hemophiliacs, half positive and half negative for HIV antibodies. In most patients, no circulating IFN was detected; similar levels of IFN-alpha were obtained after peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation with Sendai virus both in hemophiliacs and controls, while production of IFN-gamma following stimulation with phytohemagglutin (PHA) was diminished in a large number of patients irrespective of their HIV serology. These data indicate that the deficiency in IFN-gamma generation is not only related to HIV contamination but may be a direct consequence of the chronic antigenic stimulation through Factor VIII concentrates.

Evaluation of herpes simplex virus susceptibility to acyclovir using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An in situ ELISA was performed directly on the adherent cell monolayer in order to determine the susceptibility of herpes simplex virus isolates to acyclovir. Various fixation procedures and antisera conjugated to different enzymes were tested. The use of glutaraldehyde for fixation and beta-galactosidase as a labelling enzyme was shown to give the best results.

Interferon production in severe hemophiliacs with and without HIV antibodies.

The interferon (IFN) system, both serum IFN levels and the in vitro IFN production, was investigated in 38 clinically asymptomatic multitransfused hemophiliacs, half positive and half negative for HIV antibodies. In most patients, no circulating IFN was detected; similar levels of IFN-alpha were obtained after peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation with Sendai virus both in hemophiliacs and controls, while production of IFN-gamma following stimulation with phytohemagglutin (PHA) was diminished in a large number of patients irrespective of their HIV serology. These data indicate that the deficiency in IFN-gamma generation is not only related to HIV contamination but may be a direct consequence of the chronic antigenic stimulation through Factor VIII concentrates.

In vitro antiviral activity of a saponin from Anagallis arvensis, Primulaceae, against herpes simplex virus and poliovirus.

The antiviral activity of a triterpene saponin isolated from Anagallis arvensis, Primulaceae, was studied in vitro against several viruses including herpes simplex type 1, adenovirus type 6, vaccinia, vesicular stomatitis and poliovirus. The drug was found to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 and poliovirus type 2 as shown by inhibition of cytopathic effect and reduction of virus production. The action was not due to a virucidal effect but might involve inhibition of virus-host cell attachment.

[Inhibitory effects of some crude and semi-purified extracts of indigenous French plants on the multiplication of human herpesvirus 1 and poliovirus 2 in cell culture].

Within a valorization program of natural regional resources, 50 ethanolic extracts of 41 indigenous plants have been subjected to chemical tests and antiviral screening. Four plants: Bryonia dioìca, Anthyllis vulneraria, Matricaria chamomilla, and M. inodora inhibit the growth of poliovirus.

Decrease in natural killer cell activity in kidney allograft recipients.

The natural killer cell activity (NKCA) of a population of 66 functioning kidney allograft recipients (followed up for over 9 years) was assessed on K562 and DORA cell line targets. The 51Cr specific release test showed a rapid, sharp decrease in NKCA as early as 3 months after grafting, reaching a minimal level between 7 and 60 months (5 +/- 5 vs. 45 +/- 19% 51Cr release; P less than 0.

[Effect of interferon on cell populations enriched in NK activity].

We have studied the NK activity after either interferon action or not, in total lymphocyte populations, as well as in cellular populations enriched with NK activity. (LGL = 76 +/- 13%). The incubation with interferon lasts 16 hours at 37 degrees C.

The role of human spleen interferon on natural killer activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes enriched in large granular lymphocytes.

The elimination of monocytes as well as B- and T-lymphocytes by forming rosettes with high affinity for sheep red blood cells yielded an enriched population of both natural killer (NK) activity (cytotoxicity: 65.4 +/- 9.9% with an E/T ratio of 12:1, P less than 0.

[Human spleen: a new and potent source of human interferon for experimental and therapeutic use].

Cells of a single human spleen, cultivated in vitro and induced by Sendai virus, produce constantly more than 10(8) units of interferon per spleen. This interferon can be used for therapeutic assays and new basic investigations.

Large scale production of human interferon from human spleens.

In an attempt to increase the production of human interferon, human spleen appeared as a possible useful organ for large scale production of the substance. White cells provided by spleens were incubated in the presence of Sendaï Virus. Results showed that one spleen was capable to produce more than 10(8) units of interferon per spleen.

[Relations of HLA A2, A3, B12 antigens, and A2-B12 supposed haplotype association, with latent herpes virus infection in patients with chronic renal disease (author's transl)].

Comparison of 105 patients suffering of chronical renal failure with 108 normal persons showed that, in the former group, a relation could be established between HLA A2, A3, and B12 histocompatibility antigens as well as haplotype association A2-B12, and chronic infection by herpes virus. The high number of herpes virus observed in patient group bearing the BW 35 antigen was discussed.

[Production of interferon after infection by various doses of "Plasmodium berghei" in mice (author's transl)].

Groups of mice were inoculated with either low or high intraperitoneal doses of Plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes (PIE). The course of infection was observed daily by counting new PIE which appeared in the red blood cells (RBC) of infected mice. At the same time, circulating interferon (IF) was tested.

The protective effect of endogenous interferon in mouse malaria, as demonstrated by the use of anti-interferon globulins.

Both death rate and percentage of parasitized erythrocytes in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei were enhanced by injections of anti-interferon globulins. As, in the same time, parasite-induced interferon was neutralized by these globulins, it can be concluded that endogenous interferon plays an important inhibiting role during parasitic diseases, such as malaria, as it has been previously demonstrated in many virus infections.

[Acute, lethal miliary tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis].

The authors report a case of lethal acute miliary with bovine tuberculous bacilli. They stress the main characteristics of this exceptional observation :--difficulties in isolating and identifying,--favourable disposition linked to age and to a depressed cellular immunity,--pathogenic interest in the mechanisms of late endogenous reinfestation and of suffocating acute evolution.

[One case of severe tracheobronchopathy with immune depression : herpetic disease?].

The authors report a case of severe obliterating laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis without any evident etiology in a young patient with depressed immunity. A herpetic virus was isolated by distal bronchial brushing and by larynx biopsy. The level of specific antibodies rose significantly.