Interferon Induction in Normal and Leukemic Human Lymphocyte Cultures by Tilorone Hydrochloride

Abstract

Lymphocytes recovered from normal donors and from patients with CLL were examined for interferon-producing capacity, following treatment with tilorone hydrochloride in vitro. The interferon response observed in normal lymphocyte cultures appeared to be correlated with the toxic effect of the inducer. The effect observed in the leukemic lymphocyte cultures was delayed, but of a similar magnitude. The data indicate that leukemic cells are either more resistant to the toxic effects of this agent, or their metabolic activity is less than observed in normal lymphocytes.