On a possible mechanism of action of interferon.

The effect of interferon on the ESR spectra of erythrocytes treated with ascorbic acid has been investigated. This model system has been chosen since it represents identically the spectra obtained in cases with acute lymphatic leukemia. The data obtained show that small interferon concentrations increase, while larger concentrations decrease the effect produced by ascorbic acid resulting, finally, in the original erythrocyte ESR spectrum. Atomic absorption studies reveal that presence of copper which might be part of the active principle.