Abstract
SummaryHomogenates of BHK21-F cells which fused rapidly after inoculation with a high concentration of the parainfluenza virus SV5, or which fused more slowly with SV5 infection and virus multiplication, showed no greater breakdown of lecithin than uninoculated control cells. Cellular lecithin did not undergo appreciable hydrolysis in intact cells under conditions in which extensive cell fusion occurred. BHK21-F cells possess lysolecithinase activity, and the ability to convert lysolecithin to lecithin. The cells thus possess the pathways for elimination of the membrane-lytic agent lysolecithin. No phospholipase activities were found associated with purified SVS virions. We conclude that the cell fusion induced by this virus is not due to an effect on a major structural lipid such as lecithin.
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