Effects of human recombinant-interferon β in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in guinea pigs.

Context: Although clinical data for beneficial effects of Betaferon, human recombinant-interferon (r-IFN) β-1b, are accumulating, what is less evident is how and why it works.

Objective: The present study was carried out to examine whether Betaferon suppresses progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Materials And Methods: The EAE model was employed in guinea pigs in vivo, and mononuclear cell proliferation and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity were assessed in vitro.

Reduction of hERG potassium currents by hyperosmolar solutions.

We investigated the effects of hyperosmolar solutions on human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium currents in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The addition of d-mannitol to the external solution caused cell shrinkage and reduced current amplitude. The effects were at least partially reversible.