[Effect of florenal on reproduction of influenza virus]

The antiviral, viricidal, and interferon-inducing activities of florenal (bisulphite derivative of 2-flourenylglyoxal) and its influence on RNA and protein synthesis were studied. The drug inhibited replication of A/WSN and A/Englang/42/72 influenza viruses in chick embryos infected with low doses of the viruses (10--1000 EID50), induced interferon production in cell culture and in chick embryos (16 and 32 units/ml, respectively) and showed viricidal activity in vitro. Florenal in concentrations 50 microgram/ml or higher reduced the level of RNA and protein synthesis both in non-infected and infected cells within the first 4--5 hours after its administration. It was not effective against influenza infection of white mice caused by A/England/42/72 virus.