Cytomegalovirus infection of rat endothelial cells in vitro

Rat endothelial cells were productively infected with rat cytomegalovirus in vitro. A typical CMV-like cytopathic effect resulting in a lytic infection was observed. Intracytoplasmic and intranuclear virus and viral antigens were detected by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Receptors for the Fc region of IgG in the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane were observed. Infectious virus was released in the supernatant of the infected cell cultures.