Scanning electron microscopic studies of herpes simplex virus transformed cells

The surface morphology of herpes simplex virus transformed cells was examined by scanning electron microscopy in exponentially growing and density inhibited rat embryo fibroblast cultures. The cell surface of oncogenically-transformed cells became more villated and many microvilli showed branching. C-type virus particles budding from the cell surface were commonly observed. Virus induced cytopathic effects observed by scanning electron microscopy, included rounding up and detachment of degenerating cells from the substrate.