[The immunomodulating action of mytilan in an experimental influenza infection]

The materials characterizing the immunomodulating activity of mytilan, a bioglycane from an industrial object of Japanese sea, Crenomytilus grayanus, in experimental influenza infection are presented. The preparation protected up to 60% of mice intranasally inoculated with influenza virus, and significantly inhibited influenza virus reproduction. It induced interferon (possibly gamma IF) synthesis in low titres. The immunomodulating effect of mytilan consisted in stimulation of specific antibody genesis, enhancement of chemotaxis, increasing oxidation-reduction activity, enhancement of expression of Fc gamma-receptors by splenocytes and macrophages, enhancement of antibody-dependent spleen cell cytotoxicity, increased activity of natural killer cells, as well as increased complementary activity of blood serum and enhanced expression of C3 receptors by mouse spleen cells.