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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
STUDIES OF THE HEMOLYSIS OF RED BLOOD CELLS BY MUMPS VIRUS : I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUMPS VIRUS HEMOLYSIN AND ITS
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Abstract:
The conditions for the production of extra-embryonic fluids with hemolytic activity from chick embryos infected with mumps virus have been investigated. Infected fluids with strong hemolytic activity can be obtained by harvesting the fluids of 6- to 8-day-old chick embryos inoculated by the amniotic route after 5 to 6 days' incubation at 35 degrees C. Under such circumstances, the hemolytic capacity of amniotic fluids is usually much higher than that of the allantoic fluids. The hemolytic activity and infectivity of the virus have been found to be reduced or destroyed by heat, formaldehyde, and ultraviolet irradiation under conditions which leave the hemagglutinating capacity practically unchanged. Ultraviolet irradiation appeared to have a greater deleterious effect on the infectivity of the virus than on its hemolytic capacity. The marked reduction or destruction of hemolytic activity of the virus produced by certain treatments with these various agencies was not accompanied by loss of the ability of the virus to elute following its adsorption on red blood cells during the process of hemagglutination. This test for hemolytic activity, which measures a more labile property of the virus than do determinations of virus hemagglutination or virus elution, may be useful in detecting changes which occur early during degradation of the virus.
Insights
Researchers found optimal conditions for producing mumps virus in chick embryos. Hemolytic activity, a sensitive measure of virus degradation, is more labile than hemagglutination or elution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Embryology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mumps virus can infect chick embryos, leading to the production of extra-embryonic fluids.
- Hemolytic activity is a characteristic of some viral infections, but its properties in relation to mumps virus require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate conditions for producing extra-embryonic fluids with hemolytic activity from mumps virus-infected chick embryos.
- To characterize the stability of mumps virus hemolytic activity compared to its hemagglutinating and elution properties.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of 6- to 8-day-old chick embryos via the amniotic route with mumps virus.
- Incubation at 35°C for 5–6 days, followed by harvesting of amniotic and allantoic fluids.
- Assessment of hemolytic activity, infectivity, hemagglutination, and elution properties after exposure to heat, formaldehyde, and ultraviolet irradiation.
Main Results:
- Optimal production of hemolytic activity was achieved with specific incubation times and temperatures.
- Hemolytic activity and infectivity were reduced by heat, formaldehyde, and UV irradiation, while hemagglutination remained largely unchanged.
- UV irradiation had a greater impact on infectivity than on hemolytic activity.
- Hemolytic activity was destroyed without affecting hemagglutination or elution, indicating its lability.
Conclusions:
- Hemolytic activity is a labile property of mumps virus, more sensitive to degradation than hemagglutination or elution.
- The hemolytic activity test can serve as an early indicator of mumps virus degradation.
- Established conditions facilitate the production of mumps virus with significant hemolytic activity in chick embryos.
