[Cytologic and histochemical study of cell cultures chronically infected with fixed rabies virus]

Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies corresponding in their tinctorial properties to Negri bodies were detected in TEp-2/2 and BHK-21/13S cell cultures chronically infected with fixed rabies virus. The number of cells containing the inclusions was always than that of the cells producing virus-specific antigen. Histological examinations of chronically infected cultures revealed considerable inhibition of the acid phosphatase activity, some weakening of the reaction to alkaline phosphatase, and a marked decline in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase. The intensity of reaction to RNA in chronically infected cultures was increased, particularly in those zones of the cells where RNA-containing inclusions were detected. The activity of the respiratory enzyme HAD-H2 tetrasolium reductase in HEp-2/2 cells was reduced and in BHK-21/13S cells increased as compared to the control.