Effects of cloned interferon alpha 2 in normal volunteers: febrile reactions and changes in circulating corticosteroids and trace metals.
Six healthy volunteers were given single intramuscular injections of an ascending dose schedule of human interferon alpha 2 (Hu IFN alpha 2) from Escherichia coli. At a dose of 3 X 10(6) U, all of the volunteers had febrile reactions with influenza-like symptoms as previously described for purified natural leukocyte interferon. Significant rises in serum 11-hydroxycorticosteroids and falls in plasma zinc levels were observed at this highest dose. Although there was a reduction in the febrile reaction complex, the simultaneous administration of indomethacin with a "toxic" dose of interferon did not alter the changes in white cells, corticosteroids, or trace metals. Nonspecific effects must be considered in the therapeutic activity of interferon.
D015062:11-Hydroxycorticosteroids / Q000097:blood; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D015062:11-Hydroxycorticosteroids; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007370:Interferon Type I; D014131:Trace Elements; D015032:Zinc; D007213:Indomethacin