Development of herpes simplex virus in the isolated nuclei of HEp-2 cells. I. Viability of isolated HSV-infected nuclei.

Abstract

A study was made to determine whether herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected HEp-2 cell nuclei, when isolated post infection (p.i.) and incubated in the absence of cytoplasm, were capable of maintaining synthesis of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Demonstration of synthesis in nuclei isolated post infection was measured by the incorporation of 14C-glutamate into protein or 3H-thymidine into DNA. Both uninfected and HSV-infected nuclei synthesized nuclear protein and DNA for 2 h post isolation (p.e.). Similar rates of in vitro synthesis of nuclear protein were found in uninfected nuclei and nuclei isolated 2 h or 4 h post infection. In vitro synthesis of DNA occurs at about one-fourth the rate in virus-infected nuclei as compared to uninfected nuclei. These data serve as a determination of nucleus viability preceding further studies involving the maturation of HSV in isolated nuclei when incubated free from cytoplasmic control.