Immunotropic, Embryotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of Influenza Virus in Guinea-Pigs and Protective Role of Plaferon

Rusudan Khachapuridze, Boris Korsantia

Acute influenza infection in guinea-pigs was followed by a gradual decrease in the immunological parameters. Plaferon was highly successful in reversing immunosuppression (IFNa,g and the phagocytosis index were notably stimulated). Influenza virus exerted a marked embryotoxic effect in pregnant animals, causing death of the embryo or fetus at various times during pregnancy. An antiembryotoxic effect of plaferon with improvement in indices of preimplantation mortality of fetus was showed (from 13,6% to 8,8%). Cytogenetic analysis of marrow cells revealed marked damage to chromosomes, resulting from influenza (19,9% aberrant metaphases vs. 2.1% in the control). Results of plaferontherapy was manifested as a decrease in the number of aberrations (8,5%). These characteristics of plaferon serve to justify the use of plaferon in prophylaxis and treatment of influenza and his complications.

Keywords:   influenza virus, plaferon, immunocorrection, embriotoxic effect, mutagenic effect