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06:56
Influenza Virus Propagation in Embryonated Chicken Eggs
Published on: March 19, 2015
A SEDIMENTABLE COMPONENT OF ALLANTOIC FLUID AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO INFLUENZA VIRUSES
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, New Jersey.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Researchers isolated macromolecular material from allantoic fluid, finding it shares properties with influenza viruses. This normal material acts as an antigen and is serologically related to influenza A and B viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Normal allantoic fluid contains macromolecular components.
- Influenza viruses are typically purified from allantoic fluid.
- Understanding non-viral components is crucial for influenza research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize macromolecular material from normal allantoic fluid.
- To compare its properties with influenza virus preparations.
- To investigate its antigenic and serological relationship to influenza viruses.
Main Methods:
- Centrifugation for isolation and purification.
- Biochemical analysis (protein, carbohydrate, lipid content).
- Isoelectric focusing and sedimentation velocity analysis.
- Electron microscopy for particle size determination.
- Serological tests (antigenicity, hemagglutination inhibition).
Main Results:
- Macromolecular material isolated, yield varies with embryo age.
- Composition includes protein, carbohydrate, and lipid, similar to PR8 influenza virus.
- Isoelectric point at pH 2.3; major component sedimentation constant of 170 S.
- Particle diameter approximately 40 nm, smaller than PR8 virus (100 nm).
- Material is antigenic and serologically related to influenza A and B viruses.
- Partial separation achieved for F12 and Lee viruses, showing identity with normal protein.
Conclusions:
- Normal allantoic fluid contains a macromolecular component antigenically related to influenza viruses.
- This component may be a host-derived substance or a viral-associated antigen.
- Further research is needed to elucidate its exact nature and role in influenza infections.
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