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In vitro chick embryo cell response to strain MC29 avian leukosis virus
Abstract:
Strain MC29 avian leukosis (myelocytomatosis) virus induced infection, elaboration of virus, and morphological alteration in chick embryo cells in vitro. Virus liberation began within 18 hr, morphological change was detectable at about 40 hr, and the cultures could be completely altered within 80 hr after infection. Altered cells were about half the volume and grew at approximately twice the rate of uninfected elements. The output of virus estimated by electron microscopy was about 140 particles per cell per hr. Deoxyribonucleic acid remained constant, but ribonucleic acid increased in both infected and control cells in adjustment to culture environment. The rates of uptake and incorporation of (3)H-uridine and the incorporation of (3)H-thymidine increased in the infected cells with onset of morphological change but were unaffected by processes of infection and virus elaboration per se. Incorporation of a (14)C-amino acid mixture was slightly greater in the infected than in control cells. The speed of continuity of infection and massive morphological alteration constitute a unique response to avian tumor viruses, and the system gives promise of singular value for detailed studies of the processes of infection and morphological change.
Insights
Avian leukosis virus MC29 rapidly infects chick embryo cells, causing significant morphological changes and increased cell growth. This unique system offers valuable insights into avian tumor virus infection processes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Avian leukosis viruses (ALVs) are known oncogenic agents in poultry.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of ALV-induced transformation is crucial for cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro infection dynamics of Strain MC29 avian leukosis (myelocytomatosis) virus in chick embryo cells.
- To characterize the morphological and metabolic alterations induced by the virus.
Main Methods:
- Infection of chick embryo cells with Strain MC29 ALV.
- Monitoring virus elaboration, morphological changes, and cellular growth rates.
- Assessing nucleic acid and protein synthesis using radiolabeled precursors (3H-uridine, 3H-thymidine, 14C-amino acids).
- Electron microscopy for virus particle quantification.
Main Results:
- Rapid virus liberation (starting within 18 hr) and morphological alteration (detectable at 40 hr, complete by 80 hr).
- Infected cells showed reduced volume and doubled growth rate compared to controls.
- Increased uptake and incorporation of 3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine in infected cells post-morphological change.
- Slightly elevated 14C-amino acid incorporation in infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Strain MC29 ALV induces a unique and rapid transformation in chick embryo cells.
- The observed cellular changes and metabolic shifts provide a valuable model for studying avian tumor virus infection and oncogenesis.