Some characteristics of Sendai virus envelope solubilization by different detergents

Gel-filtration through Sepharose-2B of Sendai virus envelopes solubilized by Tween-20 or Triton X-100 treatment allows the separation of two elution peaks, hemagglutinin (HA) activity being detected only in the peak corresponding to large envelope fragments. Solubilization of the same virus envelopes with N-octylglycoside (NOG) results in a single elution peak, exhibiting both HA and neuraminidase activities. The results obtained suggest : 1) the similar envelope composition of the different virus populations, and 2) the different mechanisms of solubilization, in relation to the detergent used for disruption. The advantages of virus disruption by NOG are discussed.