E. M. Demaeyer

From an Antiviral Factor to a Family of Multifunctional Cytokines The Interferon Gene Family Induction of IFN-+ga+n and IFN-+gb+n Interferon Receptors Interferons as Multifunctional Gene Activators The Antiviral Activity of Interferons The Effects of Interferons on Cell Growth and Division Interferons and Hematopoiesis Modulation of the Expression of the Major Histocompatibility Antigens Macrophages as Interferon Producers and Interferons as Modulators of Macrophage Activity Production of IFN-+gg+n by T Cells and Modulation of T Cell, B Cell, and NK Cell Activity by Interferons The Effects of Interferons on Immediate and Delayed Hypersensitivity Interaction of Interferons, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Interleukin-1, and Interleukin-2 as Part of the Cytokine Network The Effects of Interferons on Tumor Cells The Genetics of Interferon Production and Action The Presence and Possible Pathogenic Role of Interferons in Disease.

Many millions of people worldwide have iron deficiency anemia. Pregnant women and young children comprise the greatest proportion of those afflicted with iron deficiency anemia (51% and 43% respectively) especially those in developing countries. Supplementing their diet with medicinal iron prevents iron deficiency anemia. As cost benefit studies demonstrate iron supplementation yields an immediate increase in physical work output and lower morbidity and mortality. A 10% and 25% increase in hemoglobin levels brought about by iron supplementation yield annual per capita benefits of respectively $7 and $18 in Indonesia and $57 and $142 in Mexico (1980 data). This World Health Organization publication provides information on iron deficiency anemia that allows program managers to develop a sound strategy for the control of iron deficiency anemia. It examines the mechanism by which the body absorbs iron and the daily iron requirements of different population groups. The book also explains how relatively simple dietary changes could prevent anemia. Improved feeding of ill children distribution of iron tablets and control of microbial infections are other valuable interventions. The book describes current laboratory methods for detecting anemia and iron deficiency. It emphasizes that pregnant women almost always require medicinal iron so routine laboratory confirmation of iron deficiency anemia is unwarranted for them. The last section of the book presents guidelines on designing a proper control strategy and assigning responsibility for the various tasks involved.

C57BL/6 (B6) mice are relatively resistant to infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Paradoxically, B6 mice were resistant to 250 LD50 (50% lethal dose) of HSV-1 but were killed by 25 or 2.5 LD50 of HSV-1 injected intraperitoneally. At the injection site 250 LD50 of virus induced high titers of interferon (IFN) (greater than 1,000 international units) that reached maximal levels 2-4 hr after inoculation, whereas 25 or 2.5 LD50 of HSV-1 generated only borderline levels of IFN (15-40 international units). Simultaneous inoculation of 250 LD50 of HSV-1 and antiserum to mouse IFN (MuIFN) rendered B6 mice susceptible to infection; however, treatment with antiserum to MuIFN did not increase susceptibility to 1 LD50 of virus. Injections of MuIFN given 2 hr before and 2 hr after inoculation with virus protected B6 mice against 25 LD50 of virus. Thus, endogenous IFN induced after injection with 250 LD50 of HSV-1 protects B6 mice, whereas low doses of virus kill the animals because they do not generate a detectable IFN response at the infection site.