Inhibition of the cytochrome reductase activity associated with meningopneumonitis virus by fatty acids derived from infected allantoic fluids

Abstract

A soluble lipoprotein occurs in the allantoic fluids of eggs infected with meningopneumonitis virus, the lipid portion of which consists largely of triglyceride. A similar substance is sometimes found, usually in much lower concentration, in the allantoic fluids of uninfected eggs. On treatment of crude infected allantoic fluids or of the isolated lipoprotein with pancreation, fatty acids are liberated and these inhibit the DPNH cytochrome c reductase activity associated with the purified virus. The inhibition is in part due to an effect of the fatty acid on the virus and in part to an effect on the cytochrome c. A virus-fatty acid mixture that appears to have lost most of its enzymatic activity can recover a part of the lost activity if serum albumin is added.