Chemical interactions with herpes simplex type 2 virus: enhancement of transformation by norharman

The effects of the comutagen norharman on herpes simplex virus type 2 growth transformation was studied in 3T3 cells. Pre-exposure but not post-exposure of the cells to 0.5 to 10 micrograms of norharman per ml of cell culture media resulted in a nearly three-fold enhancement in transforming activity. These results suggest that certain environmental chemicals may interact with cells creating an increased possibility of transformation by herpes viruses.