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Intracytoplasmic type A particles in viper spleen cells
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Type A particles were found in viper cells, marking the first observation in a cold-blooded vertebrate. Ethidium bromide treatment slightly increased the occurrence and size of these viral inclusions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Herpetology
Background:
- C-type retroviruses are known to infect various vertebrates.
- Paranuclear inclusions are cellular structures where viral particles can assemble.
- Viper cell lines provide a model for studying reptilian viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of type A particles in cultured viper cells.
- To determine the effect of ethidium bromide on type A particle inclusions.
- To report the first observation of type A particles in a poikilothermic vertebrate.
Main Methods:
- Cultured viper cells (VSW cell line) were examined for viral structures.
- Cells were treated with ethidium bromide to assess its effect.
- Electron microscopy was used to identify and characterize viral particles.
Main Results:
- Structures resembling type A particles were identified in paranuclear inclusions within viper cells.
- The incidence of these inclusions was low (0.5%) in untreated cells.
- Ethidium bromide treatment led to a slight increase in the incidence and size of type A particle inclusions.
Conclusions:
- Type A particles can be found in viper cells, a novel finding in poikilothermic vertebrates.
- Ethidium bromide may influence the replication or assembly of these viral particles.
- This study expands the known host range for type A particle observations.