[Interferon status and the activity of dsRNA-dependent enzymes in volunteers and influenza patients receiving human recombinant alpha 2-interferon (reaferon)].

The national recombinant preparation of alpha 2-interferon (reaferon) after intramuscular inoculation in a daily dose of 3 X 10(6) units/ml to human volunteers was found in the blood serum within 1-2 hours. In 85% of the subjects given the preparation, a 2-8-fold rise in interferon titers in the blood serum and in 64% an increase in interferon leukocyte reaction (ILR) by the 5th day after the beginning of the treatment were observed. In the examined influenza patients given the preparation, interferon circulation in the blood serum, increased ILR and 2-5A synthetase enzyme levels were demonstrated. Tests for interferon of the blood sera of patients given reaferon by inhalation revealed no significant rise in its level, in contrast to cases with reaferon intramuscular injections. It is assumed that the immunomodulating effect of the preparation given by inhalation is mediated through the hypothalamus. Thus, parameters of the interferon system may be corrected by administration of reaferon.