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Fine structure of changes produced in cultured cells sampled at specified intervals during a single growth cycle of
Abstract:
Primary suspended cultures of rhesus monkey kidney cells were infected with poliomyelitis virus, type 1 (Brunhilde strain). The release of virus from these cells over a one-step growth curve was correlated with their change in fine structure, as seen in the electron microscope. Most of the cells were infected nearly simultaneously, and morphological changes developed in the cells were sufficiently synchronous to be classified into three stages. The earliest change (stage I) became visible at a time when virus release into the culture fluid begins, some 3 hours after adsorption. Accentuation of the abnormal characteristics soon occurs, at 4 to 7 hours after adsorption, and results in stage II. Stage III represents the appearance of cells after their rate of virus release had passed its maximum, and probably the abnormal morphology of these cells reflects non-specific physiological damage. There seems to be consistency between the previously described cellular changes as seen under the light microscope and the finer scale changes reported here. Cytoplasmic bodies, called U bodies, were seen in large number at the time when the virus release was the most rapid (stage II). While these bodies are not of proper size to be considered polio virus, they seem to be specifically related to the infection. No evidence was found for the presence of particles that could even be presumptively identified with those of polio virus.
Insights
Poliomyelitis virus infection in monkey kidney cells shows synchronous cellular changes. Electron microscopy reveals distinct stages of cell damage correlating with virus release and the appearance of unique cytoplasmic bodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Poliomyelitis virus type 1 (Brunhilde strain) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding virus-host interactions at the cellular level is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate the fine structural changes in rhesus monkey kidney cells with poliomyelitis virus release.
- To characterize the morphological alterations during a one-step growth curve of poliovirus.
Main Methods:
- Infection of primary rhesus monkey kidney cell cultures with poliovirus type 1.
- One-step growth curve analysis to monitor virus release.
- Electron microscopy to observe cellular fine structure changes.
- Correlation of morphological stages with virus release kinetics.
Main Results:
- Cellular morphological changes were synchronous with viral infection and occurred in three distinct stages.
- Stage I changes began around 3 hours post-adsorption, coinciding with initial virus release.
- Stage II (4-7 hours post-adsorption) showed accentuated changes and rapid virus release, with numerous 'U bodies' observed.
- Stage III reflected later-stage damage after peak virus release; no virus particles were definitively identified.
Conclusions:
- Poliovirus infection induces distinct, synchronous ultrastructural changes in kidney cells.
- The observed 'U bodies' appear specifically related to poliovirus infection, though not viral particles themselves.
- Electron microscopy provides detailed insights into poliovirus-induced cytopathology, consistent with light microscopy findings.
