Na+ and K+ concentration and regulation of protein synthesis in L-A9 and Aedes albopictus cells infected with Marituba virus (Bunyaviridae).

Abstract

Infection of L-A9 cells with Marituba virus produces a severe inhibition of protein synthesis. This inhibition is temporally correlated with an increase in the intracellular Na+ concentration and a decrease in the intracellular K+ concentration. However, in Marituba virus-infected Aedes albopictus cells the intracellular level of Na+ and K+ ions and protein synthesis remained unaltered. Incubation of both cell types at high NaCl concentration facilitated the translation of viral RNA whereas the cellular protein synthesis was inhibited. Using a hypotonic medium, the opposite was found. Results are discussed in terms of a possible involvement of these ions in the viral translational process.