[Protective action of double-stranded complexes--interferon inducers in encephalomyocarditis in mice]

Interferon inducers, dsRNA and poly (G) X poly (C) ( polyguacyl ), injected into mice intraperitoneally induced interferon formation, the maximal activity being equal to 640-1280 U/ml. Antiviral effect of the inducers was studied upon intraperitoneal and intracerebral injections. Both polyguacyl and dsRNA exerted a marked antiviral action against infection induced by murine encephalomyocarditis virus. The most powerful effect was attained when the inducers were injected 24 or 4 h before challenge. The protective action was produced by polyguacyl and dsRNA even after intracerebral infection. There is a good agreement between the interferon-inducing and antiviral activity of interferon inducers. The data obtained demonstrate the fitness of experimental encephalomyocarditis of mice for testing interferon inducers.