Interferon synthesis by peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with bronchial asthma.

Interferon production by leukocytes of 28 bronchial asthma patients and 27 normal subjects was examined using whole blood technique. Interferon production in blood samples was induced by classical inducers and the obtained interferons were tested in A549 cells using EMC virus as challenge. Leukocytes from both atopic and infectious asthma patients showed decreased ability to interferon production in comparison to healthy donors.

Production of interferon by leukocytes from patients with atopic and nonatopic asthma.

Investigations were carried out on 62 patients with atopic and nonatopic asthma and 70 normal individuals. Leukocytes isolated according to the method of Mogensen and Cantell, were induced for interferon production with Newcastle virus, H strain for 24 h at 37 degrees C in a tube culture placed in rolling drum. Interferon was assayed in the culture of human fibroblasts (HAT).

Modulation of interferon synthesis with the drugs applied in bronchial asthma.

Investigations were carried out on 28 patients with nonatopic bronchial asthma treated with glycocorticosteroids or antibiotics and on 15 patients with atopic bronchial asthma treated with Alavac S vaccine. Leukocytes isolated from these patients by the method of Mogensen and Cantell were induced with Newcastle disease virus for interferon production, IFN was tested in the culture of human fibroblasts (HAT). The production of leukocytic IFN in glycocorticosteroids- and antibiotics-treated patients was shown to increase.

Effect of antihistamines on interferon production by leukocytes from sensitized and non-sensitized mice.

The effect of four antihistamines (Intal, Zaditen, Tavegyl, Benzhydramine) on interferon production in mice was investigated. The agents were administered in vivo to ovalbumin-sensitized and non-sensitized mice, or in vitro to isolated peritoneal cell cultures. The cells were induced for interferon production with Newcastle virus.