Effects of alpha-interferon on iron-related measurements in human subjects.
Subcutaneous administration of alpha-interferon to normal volunteers caused hypoferraemia and hyperferritinaemia. There was, however, no concomitant rise in other components of the acute-phase response, including the serum C-reactive protein value, the granulocyte count and the plasma lactoferrin concentration. In fact, the latter two dropped significantly. The hypoferraemic response could be prolonged when a second dose was given 48 hours after the initial one. This hypoferraemic response may play a role similar to that induced by interleukin-1, which limits the proliferation of invading micro-organisms or neoplastic cells. The present findings may therefore have relevance to the clinical mechanism of action of the interferons.
Baynes
R D
RD
Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Bezwoda
W R
WR
Dajee
D
D
Lamparelli
R D
RD
Bothwell
T H
TH
D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D007370:Interferon Type I; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron; D007781:Lactoferrin