[Interferonogenic activity of gossypol, a low-molecular substance]

The interferonogenic activity of gossipol, a low molecular substance of polyphenolic nature was shown in the cell cultures of chick embryos and organisms of mice. Pronounced prophylactic efficiency of the drug in mice with experimental infection caused by the West Nile virus was found. Definite parallelism between the intensity of interferonogenesis and the protection level from the virus affection due to the use of gossipol in mice was noted. Difference between gossipol and other known low molecular inductors of interferon, such as dyes, tyloron, propandinamine is discussed. The possibility of using gossipol as an antiviral drug is presumed.