Evaluation of a biologic response modifier derived from Serratia marcescens: effects on feline macrophages and usefulness for the prevention and treatment of viremia in feline leukemia virus-infected cats.

Abstract

Normal feline bone marrow-derived macrophages released maximum concentrations of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1 when stimulated with ImuVert (Cell Technology Inc, Boulder, CO, USA) at dosages of 1.0 microgram/ml, 5.0 micrograms/ml, and 10.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. When ImuVert was administered to healthy adult cats, significant elevations in rectal temperature and neutrophil counts were observed 10 and 24 hours after each treatment. Weekly treatment with ImuVert failed to prevent or reverse viremia in cats when initiated prior to or 6 weeks after inoculation with feline leukemia virus.