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[Changes in cellular microfilaments in viral infection]
Abstract:
The effect of disorders in actin microfilament polymerization by cytochalasin B (CB) on the development of cytopathic changes was studied in two models. CB in concentrations of 0.1-1.0 microgram/ml enhanced 3-5-fold the formation of symplasts in a line of kidney cells from green monkey 4647 infected with carnivore distemper virus and inhibited this process in higher concentrations (2.5-5.0 micrograms/ml). The addition of CB in concentrations 5-10 micrograms/ml into the medium of a line of Chinese striped hamster cells infected with Sindbis virus led to disorders in the permeability of plasmolemma and destruction of cells although virus reproduction and production of virus antigens remained uninvolved. The above results not only demonstrate the role of actin microfilaments in the development of cytopathic lesions caused by paramyxo- and alphaviruses but also allow the assessment of separate stages of these processes.
Insights
Cytochalasin B (CB) affects actin microfilaments, influencing viral cytopathic effects. Low CB concentrations enhanced symplast formation in kidney cells, while higher doses caused cell destruction in hamster cells infected with different viruses.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Actin microfilaments play crucial roles in cellular processes.
- Viral infections can induce significant cytopathic changes in host cells.
- Understanding the interplay between cellular structures and viral pathogenesis is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of disrupting actin microfilament polymerization using cytochalasin B (CB) on viral cytopathic effects.
- To elucidate the role of actin microfilaments in the development of lesions caused by paramyxoviruses and alphaviruses.
- To assess distinct stages of cytopathic lesion development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct cell culture models: green monkey kidney cells infected with carnivore distemper virus and Chinese striped hamster cells infected with Sindbis virus.
- Administered varying concentrations of cytochalasin B (CB) to disrupt actin microfilament polymerization.
- Monitored and quantified the formation of symplasts, cell permeability, and cell destruction.
Main Results:
- CB at 0.1-1.0 µg/ml enhanced symplast formation in kidney cells by 3-5 fold; higher concentrations (2.5-5.0 µg/ml) inhibited this process.
- CB (5-10 µg/ml) induced plasmolemma permeability disorders and cell destruction in hamster cells infected with Sindbis virus.
- Viral reproduction and antigen production were unaffected by CB in the hamster cell model.
Conclusions:
- Actin microfilaments are integral to the development of cytopathic lesions induced by paramyxoviruses and alphaviruses.
- Disruption of actin polymerization by CB differentially affects cytopathic changes depending on the virus and cell type.
- The study provides insights into the stages of viral cytopathic processes and the role of the actin cytoskeleton.