Induction of lymphokines by tilorone.

Serum obtained 16 hr after p.o. application of tilorone [2, 7-bis/2-diethylaminoethoxy/-fluoren-9-one dihydrochloride] to ABD2F1 mice demonstrated both interferon and migration inhibitory (MIF) activity. Kinetic studies showed a close correspondence between interferon and MIF serum levels. The physiochemical characteristics of tilorone-induced MIF (heat and pH lability, molecular size) are compared with those of MIF generated in in vitro lymphocyte cultures. The findings are discussed in relation to production of lymphocytogenic lymphokines.