Related Experiment Videos
Myxoviruses do not induce non-specific alterations in membrane permeability early on in infection
Abstract:
The permeability characteristics of cells infected with myxoviruses have been studied by measuring the concentrative uptake of nutrients, the concentration of intracellular K+, and the maintenance of the Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane. Cells either show no change at all (Sendai virus-infected BHK cells and measles virus-infected Vero cells) or they show a decreased ability to concentrate nutrients, while intracellular K+ and the Na+ gradient remain unchanged (Sendai and influenza virus-infected L-1210 cells, measles virus-infected lymphocytes and mumps virus-infected L-41 cells). In no case, therefore, was a change observed that resembles the non-specific increase in membrane permeability induced by haemolytic paramyxoviruses (35, 42) or the non-specific membrane leakiness postulated to take place in infected cells (8, 9). A preliminary account of some of these findings has been presented (39).
Insights
Myxovirus infections in cells do not cause the non-specific membrane permeability changes previously suggested. Nutrient uptake is sometimes reduced, but ion gradients remain stable, indicating specific cellular responses rather than general leakiness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Transport
Background:
- Myxoviruses are known to infect various cell types.
- Previous studies suggested that virus infections might lead to non-specific increases in cell membrane permeability.
- Understanding cellular changes during infection is crucial for antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the permeability characteristics of cells infected with myxoviruses.
- To determine if myxovirus infections cause non-specific membrane leakiness.
- To analyze the effects of infection on nutrient uptake and ion gradients.
Main Methods:
- Measuring the concentrative uptake of nutrients in infected cells.
- Quantifying intracellular potassium ion (K+) concentration.
- Assessing the maintenance of the sodium ion (Na+) gradient across the plasma membrane.
Main Results:
- Cells infected with Sendai virus (BHK cells) and measles virus (Vero cells) showed no change in permeability.
- Cells infected with Sendai, influenza, measles, or mumps viruses exhibited a decreased ability to concentrate nutrients.
- Intracellular K+ concentration and the Na+ gradient remained unchanged in all infected cells studied.
Conclusions:
- Myxovirus infections do not induce the non-specific increase in membrane permeability observed with haemolytic paramyxoviruses.
- The observed changes in nutrient uptake are specific and not indicative of general membrane leakiness.
- Cellular responses to myxoviruses involve specific alterations rather than a generalized loss of membrane integrity.